Ministry of Education and JICA Strengthen Japanese Language Education through Teacher Training Workshop

The English and Foreign Language Branch of the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), successfully conducted a two-day workshop aimed at enhancing the teaching skills of newly recruited Japanese language teachers. Held on February 27 and 28, 2025, at the National Institute of Education, Maharagama, the training focused on innovative teaching methodologies, classroom management strategies, and a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and the local Japanese language curriculum for Ordinary Level (O/L) and Advanced Level (A/L) students.

The workshop featured six JICA volunteers with expertise in Japanese Language, Youth Activities, Primary Education, and Western Music Education, who served as resource persons. They contributed to the workshop by covering the following key topics: Understanding the Japanese Language Curriculum for O/L and A/L, Insights into Japanese culture, behaviors, and systems and new methods for teaching Japanese language.

Over 30 newly appointed Japanese language teachers from across the country participated, seizing this opportunity to engage with native Japanese speakers and enhance their instructional techniques.

The event was attended by key representatives from both organizations, including Mr. Takuma Noguchi, Senior Representative, JICA Sri Lanka, Mrs. Anusha Nimali Jayakody, Director, English and Foreign Language Branch, Ministry of Education, Mr. Dharshana Wijesinghe, Deputy Director, English and Foreign Language Branch, Ministry of Education and Ms. Miya Katayama, Volunteer Coordinator, JICA Sri Lanka.

Expressing her appreciation, Mrs. Jayakody acknowledged the invaluable support of JICA and its volunteers, highlighting their contributions to the success of the training. Mr. Noguchi, in his remarks, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in fostering professional development for educators and expressed optimism about making this workshop an annual event to further strengthen Japanese language education in Sri Lanka.

This collaboration underscores the shared commitment of the Ministry of Education and JICA to advancing foreign language education and promoting cross-cultural understanding. Both organizations look forward to expanding their partnership through future training programs, ensuring continued professional growth for Sri Lanka’s Japanese language educators.