No.2 As a "Shaper" of Society

(Lifelong Learning Newsletter 'Hiroba' published on July 15, 2023)

As a "Shaper" of Society
In May, the leaders of the G7 countries gathered for the "G7 Hiroshima Summit." I was particularly captivated by the television screen reporting the in-person participation of Ukrainian President Zelensky, which drew global attention. Then, an interview was shown featuring a woman from Ukraine living in Hiroshima, who expressed, "I hope Ukraine can become peaceful like Japan." At that moment, a certain event I experienced with middle school students ten years ago came back to my mind.

"Japan is a 'miracle country.'" In July 2013, I received these words directly from Yoichi Watanabe, a battlefield photographer and journalist. On that day, at the Inagi City Junior High School where I was the principal at the time, we welcomed Mr. Watanabe to the gymnasium for a lecture. The venue was filled with all the students, as well as parents and local community members who participated, and we all reflected on what is important as human beings living on this planet, as we were informed of the heavy and serious realities of the world through Mr. Watanabe's gentle and relaxed storytelling. Towards the end of the lecture, a student asked Mr. Watanabe, "Having seen many countries, what do you think of Japan?" Mr. Watanabe's response was, "Japan is a 'miracle country.' A country where one can live so safely and securely is a 'miracle.'" A few days later, in the "School Newsletter" that was published, I expressed my thoughts on this lecture and concluded with, "I hope that the direct message received from Mr. Watanabe will connect with the students' lives from now on." And after ten years, I heard the tearful appeal, "I hope Ukraine will also become peaceful like Japan," and I wondered how those middle school students reflected on Mr. Watanabe's message from that day, and now as adults, what thoughts they have as Japanese people in light of the unchanged global situation.

The relevant junior high school has been learning about the realities of developing countries around the world through facility visits and research studies throughout the year, and deepening their considerations on environmental issues and human rights challenges. These activities are part of the initiatives promoted by Inagi City as part of "ESD (Education for Sustainable Development)." In this way, all public elementary and junior high schools in Inagi City have been promoting "ESD" with guidance and support from local residents and external experts. However, since the adoption of the "SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)" at the United Nations Summit in 2015, we have been working with the perspective of implementing "ESD" aimed at achieving the "SDGs." From this background, I believe that "students who engage in 'ESD' in Inagi City should contribute as adults to the achievement of the 'SDGs' and participate in the world and society." This is the sentiment I have come to hold.

Changing the subject, a few years ago, I entered graduate school and completed my master's program after two years of research. Recently, I gathered in Kobe with my former classmates and attended a lecture by my mentor, Professor Madoka Hiwatari, a specially appointed professor at Hyogo University of Teacher Education. During this enriching learning experience, where I received profound teachings on various topics, I was particularly struck by the professor's remark that, "What we teach children in school can be broadly divided into knowledge and values." For example, if "knowing various situations and challenges in the world" is considered "acquisition of knowledge," then the foundation for thinking about "how society and the world should be" and "what I should do" can be said to be "values." Additionally, the 17 "goals" and 169 "targets" set under the common principle of the SDGs, "Leave no one behind," such as "End poverty" and "Zero hunger," are one of the suitable learning materials for nurturing children's "values." Furthermore, I believe that fostering these "values" requires all adults involved with children to have a shared understanding and to collaborate and work together, not just within schools.

Summer vacation is just around the corner. I hope that during the time children spend in the community and at home, they can explore the nature of the world and society together with adults, reflect on what they can and should do, and connect it to practice.

Furthermore, Article 1 of the Basic Act on Education states that "the purpose of education" must be to cultivate healthy citizens, both physically and mentally, who possess the necessary qualities to be creators of a peaceful and democratic nation and society, aiming for the completion of their personalities. I always keep in mind the phrase "as creators" in this provision. The mission of education is to nurture the "creators" of society. In light of the ongoing conflicts, poverty, environmental issues, economic instability due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the occurrence of significant disasters, I deeply feel the necessity for us adults to continue learning in order to become "creators of a peaceful society."

Addendum: This manuscript was written on June 9, 2023, but I received news that Dr. Hinata En passed away yesterday, June 8.

Director of Inagi City Board of Education, Makiko Sugimoto