Shared Learning: Knowledge is Power! [multiple countries]
A number of SEEDS Asia’s projects involve schools at the local level, with students, teachers and local community groups working together to understand and act on disaster risks and other issues that the community they live in face on a day to day basis.
On 3rd December, schools in SEEDS Asia’s project sites gathered online to participate in SEEDS Asia’s 15th anniversary event, “My Hometown.” A total of ten schools from five countries participated and made presentations on their hometown and its disaster preparedness.
With communities facing the common challenge of climate change and other problems, children today need to be “global citizens” to understand all the causes and effects associated with the challenges. Having a hometown to protect, and mutually respecting and becoming compassionate about people not only locally, but also all over the world, is an initial step towards becoming such global citizens.
Professor Ranko Kishida, SEEDS Asia’s Technical Advisor in education, emphasized that it is very important to know about each other’s hometown, to imagine what others’ life is like, and to be considerate of each other in their communities and around the world.
For instance, a school from the area affected by the East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami expressed in their presentation their gratitude by explaining what support they received from the participating countries at the time of the disaster. Students at the school in Naganuma held apples in front of the camera when they were asked “what is the best food in your hometown?”. Students from Toba Elementary School in Mie ate a locally made cake in their live presentation!
Schools from outside Japan shared their experience of working with SEEDS Asia for education continuity in COVID-19 and climate change mitigation and adaptation, and a number of other local issues. Despite variation in their ability to speak English, the students communicated enthusiastically, making online friends and realizing the need to communicate and network worldwide.
All of the presentations were unique and wonderful! We sincerely admire and appreciate the efforts of the students, teachers. management of the participating schools as well as local community leaders to prepare for and participate this event.
You can view the presentations of some of the participating schools in this playlist on YouTube.
