The school visits program of the Consulate General of Japan reached more than 2,400 students in the first half of 2017, taking its presentations on Japan to Arizona schools and local post-secondary classrooms for the first time in several years.
Elementary and high school students in Arizona saw ikebana demonstrations by local artist Ms. Sandra Ehler, who practices the Sogetsu style in the Phoenix area. College students around Southern California heard from Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program alumni Kelly Farrow and Lucy Niess as they shared about the unique characteristics of their respective “home” regions in Japan. On May 5, elementary students in the South Bay made origami “samurai helmets” (kabuto) to learn about Children’s Day.
These programs and guest presenters are part of the ongoing efforts by the Consulate’s Japan Information and Culture Center to bring an engaging picture of Japan and its rich culture to young people. We greatly appreciate the collaboration and enthusiasm of the teachers and guest presenters, as well as the promotional help of the Teachers of Japanese of Southern California. Ten schools including four colleges have participated so far this year—from Arizona: Kyrene del Norte Dual Language Academy, Central High School and Valley Vista High School; and from Southern California: Amestoy (language magnet) Elementary School, Playa Vista Elementary School, Riverside STEM Academy, East L.A. College, Los Angeles Harbor College, Long Beach City College, and Whittier College.
For information on School Visits or to request a visit in the fall of 2017:
http://www.la.us.emb-japan.go.jp/e_web/jicc_education.htm (scroll down to “School Visits Program”), or call 213-617-6700 x336.
For information on JET: http://www.la.us.emb-japan.go.jp/e_web/jet.htm
For information on MEXT: http://www.la.us.emb-japan.go.jp/e_web/mext.htm |
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