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Turkish Japanese Foundation (TJV) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Turkey Office implemented a new project with the support of teachers and students who previously participated in Disaster Training Programs. This program aims to support socialization of Turkish and Japanese students who have been at home for a long time due to Covid-19 pandemic, ease the adverse effects of the epidemic and contribute to their education.

The first video conference seminar was held on May 5 in English by the students from Ercis district of Van province for Japanese audience. Within the framework of "Students Introduce Turkey" project, teachers and students who previously joined Disaster Training Programs of JICA and TJV took part in the project. This was followed by another seminar that students from Kutahya introduced Kutahya province and surrounding cities to students from approximately 15 provinces on May 28.

On May 31, another video conference was held on which Japanese students introduced their country to Turkish students. Students living in Sapporo City, Hokkaido, shared interesting information about their country and their hometown, Hokkaido, for their Turkish peers. More than 120 people have participated to this event, and Japanese students made presentations about Japanese cuisine, nature, traditional sports, festivals and the subway system etc. After the presentations, Turkish students raised questions to the Japanese students about Japanese culture, such as hashi, sumo wrestling, meaning of crane origami (senba zuru) and Japanese flag. They also asked questions about disaster preparedness, such as emergency bags, earthquake drills in schools, and the use of masks against the corona epidemic. At the end of the seminar, two of the Japanese students performed a surprise singing two traditional Japanese songs. The songs were highly appreciated by the participants. At the seminar, Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Mr. Akio MIYAJIMA, President of TJV, Dr. Nejat Bora SAYAN, and Chief Representative of JICA Turkey Office, Mr. Nobuhiro IKURO, delivered speeches, and they congratulated and encouraged the students who took part in such a nice event during Covid-19 pandemic.

These video conference seminars, which can also be considered as a peer education, are appreciated by both teachers and parents for their positive contribution to the participating students. Seminars of "Students Introduce Turkey" will continue in coming days, which are prepared by volunteer students in Turkish for Turkish students and in English for the students in Japan.

Scene from the presentation

Participants

A Japanese student introduces Kendo cloths

Japanese students who performed a surprise by singing song (yellow frame)