Staff Reporter, Dhaka : The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) successfully hosted the ‘Overseas Training for
Teachers’ in Bangladesh. Through firsthand visits to a developing country, the training aimed to help Japanese teachers and educators understand the education landscape in developing countries and
the increasingly expanding field of international cooperation. In the recently held program, participants expressed a stronger interest in strengthening Japan-Bangladesh relations through education and exchange.
Launched 40 years ago, the Overseas Training for Teachers is a year-long program for Japanese teachers and other education staff interested in development education and international
understanding. The program includes pre-departure training in Japan, 1–2 weeks of training in a developing country, and post-departure training in Japan. Participants use what they learn to create lessons and teaching materials, put them into practice in their schools, and report on their activities.
During the Bangladesh visit, the Japanese teachers engaged with a wide range of institutions, including government schools, international schools, NGO-run schools, the University of Dhaka, the Directorate of Primary Education, Primary Teachers Training Institute, and Kumon. They also visited the JICA Bangladesh office, cultural and sports centers, public health projects, and so on. These visits allowed them to directly experience and observe Bangladesh’s education sector, public health projects, and overall socio-economic environment.
The warmth and hospitality of Bangladesh left a strong impression. One of the teachers shared, ‘As part of the training, we were able to visit different sites where we normally wouldn’t have access.
The experience really inspired us, and we hope to design classes that help our students in Japan appreciate cultural diversity and expand their horizons.’ Some also expressed a stronger interest in
strengthening Japan-Bangladesh relations through education and exchange.
Through this program, JICA continues to promote teachers as key personnel supporting development education and international understanding. By connecting global realities to school practice, the
program aims to develop a new generation of globally aware citizens in Japan.