No.9 "From Inagi to the World! Promotion of 'Global Study'"

From Inagi to the World! Promotion of "Global Studies"

　"I want the children of Inagi City to acquire the power to succeed in the next generation" — This has been my constant hope since taking office in March of Reiwa 5.
　In this issue, we will share the initiatives aimed at achieving this goal up to fiscal year 2024, as well as the educational policies for fiscal year 2025 based on the perspectives gained through these efforts.

Enhancement of Communication Capability

　In our municipal schools, for many years, we have made ESD (Education for Sustainable Development) a core part of our educational activities. Using themes such as "environment," "international understanding," "human rights," and "disaster prevention," and with the warm guidance and support of local community members, we have engaged in learning through experiential and inquiry-based activities. In recent years, we have focused on cultivating the qualities needed to achieve the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) and are working to further enhance ESD.
　Educational activities at schools are important to update while keeping an eye on social conditions, with the mission of nurturing children who will lead the society of the future. Regarding ESD, the Board of Education has continuously researched the development of approaches that align with the times.
　Amid these circumstances, in fiscal year 2024, Inagi City, in co-sponsorship with the Peace Communication Foundation, held the "World Children's Future Conference Supporting the United Nations in INAGI" for the first time. On the event day, August 30, a total of 24 sixth-grade students, two selected from each elementary school, gathered in a conference room within the Community Promotion Plaza. Meeting for the first time from different schools, they formed groups of four, exchanged opinions on the theme "A Sustainable Future for Inagi City," summarized their ideas by group, and then moved to the City Council main chamber to present each group's proposals.
　The experience of presenting and engaging in Q&A in the "assembly hall" was a valuable opportunity for children to enhance their motivation to become driving forces in society. Furthermore, the Board of Education, through this new challenge, was able to identify the effectiveness of new approaches for enriching ESD in our city going forward, including reflection on what individuals can do, establishing personal viewpoints, communication skills with diverse audiences, and the ability to speak out in various settings beyond the classroom.
　In the latter half of Fiscal Year 2024, various educational activities such as autumn and winter academic events were held at each school, where students demonstrated their communication skills by explaining and presenting their own creations and experiential activities through presentations and poster sessions. I have come to firmly believe in the significance of each of these efforts in cultivating the qualities needed to become "creators of a sustainable society." We will continue to build on these initiatives and aim to further enhance ESD in Fiscal Year 2025.

Improving English Proficiency

　In the coming era, it is important to understand social issues from a global perspective and to have the attitude and ability to collaborate with diverse people. We hope that the children of Inagi City will develop the skills and communication abilities to confidently interact with people around the world.
　Over the past few years, I have had the opportunity to visit educational institutions in the United States and Finland. During these visits, I encountered local people who spoke fluent English—not only in the U.S., where it is natural, but also in Finland, where English is not the native language. I realized how disadvantageous it is to be an "English weak" person, as I could not immediately discuss educational theories and perspectives, which was the purpose of my visit. After this bitter experience, I became the Superintendent of Education and turned my attention to the children of Inagi City, where I found a new hope. In July 2023, when we welcomed members of the soccer team from our Sister City, Foster City, our city’s children and students communicated freely and joyfully using a mix of English and gestures, sharing topics about international artists, traditional games, sports, and more.
　Encouraged by the presence of such children, in the 2024 academic year, we first aimed to enhance opportunities for junior high school students to interact with foreigners in their daily lives. We arranged school visits by international students, mainly from the Graduate School of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, and started exchange activities where students and international students could casually converse. At each junior high school, creative initiatives were developed, such as listening to fascinating stories about countries yet to be seen from the international students, and junior high students explaining what they learned during off-campus learning and workplace experiences to the international students.
　While confirming such achievements, the Board of Education, with the participation of principals and vice principals, has conducted research including inspections of municipalities known as "advanced English regions." In January of Reiwa 7, an educational exchange agreement was signed with a foreign municipality. Furthermore, in fiscal year Reiwa 7, the number of ALTs (Assistant Language Teachers) will be increased and they will be employed as Type 1 fiscal year appointed staff of the city. Additionally, opportunities for one-on-one online English conversation between students and instructors will be created. ALTs will be present at school for 7 hours and 30 minutes on working days. During this time, even students who are not confident in communication, including those at home using online tools, will be able to engage in English communication activities, aiming for all children to participate.

Promotion of "Global Study"

　At the end of fiscal year 2024, when new enhancements to ESD and English education were being planned, the national conference of the "World Children's Future Conference Supporting the United Nations" was held at Tokyo Innovation Base. Participants included 96 children, consisting of representatives from regional conferences across the country and children from various countries around the world. From our city, four sixth-grade students from a municipal elementary school, who were the top group at the "in INAGI" (Inagi Conference) held last August, participated as representatives. As with the Inagi Conference, the children formed groups with members meeting for the first time and discussed measures for "Climate Change Countermeasures" and "Peace and Justice," summarized their ideas on presentation panels, and gave presentations.
　A venue where Japanese and English intermingle, crossing regions and borders, discussing social issues such as "Environment" and "Peace." The lively atmosphere truly embodies an "international conference." It feels as if we can already see these young people growing into adults who will actively use English as a common language on the global stage. This strengthens our resolve to provide the children of Inagi with more opportunities to explore ways to build a sustainable society and to express their ideas to diverse audiences beyond language barriers.
　In fiscal year 2025, the Board of Education will focus on ESD emphasizing communication skills and improving English proficiency under the catchphrase "From Inagi to the World! Promoting 'Global Study'." We kindly ask parents or guardians and community members to watch over the children in such endeavors. Additionally, we will plan activities and events beyond classes taught by ALTs, so please feel free to participate.

Director of the Inagi City Board of Education, Makiko Sugimoto