Dr. Avnish Jolly, Chandigarh, 1st Jan, 2009:Shimizu Toshiharu, a senior administrator from Tokyo Education Bureau’s Regional Educational Support Section. He with his presentation, movie show and discussion clearly presented the overview of educational administration of Japan emphasizing in 2 broad categories of school education and social education.
Mr. Shimizu gave general examples of social environmental changes faced by youth starting from Golden Egg era to present era of youth not currently engaged in employment , education or training. Citing various related problems of youth he stressed on some useful solutions like societal exposure and interaction with formal education and moving towards outreach, coordination and networking from established institutions. Mr. Osamu Ono , Adjacent staff member of Aizi city Board of Education delivered a special lecture on the topic `Current State of Affairs and Challenges of Youth Education in Aizu City and Directions for Future`. He emphasized on holistic development and clean environment programmes being run by the Aizu city Youth Development Council for the involvement and benefit of the youth. He also highlighted important achievement of the Council in developing permanent youth related facilities which are also being availed by local citizens. Mr. Ono however was worried about decline in number of volunteers for social development during discussion and interactive session Indian Participants provided useful suggestions for the existing problems of youth of Japan
The representatives formed a highly diversified group from different streams and fields and from 13 different states. The programme included a comprehensive schedule which could give the young leaders an insight into the Education, Political, Social, technological, administrative, Entrepreneurial and Economic Systems of Japan. Besides attending a number of interactive Seminars concerning these issues during their stay of 18 days, the group members also visited National Science Museum and Imperial Palace of Tokyo. The trainees explored various Science and technology related working models and sequential developments of IT, robot, motor and space technologies. We also visited Youth development centres in Tokyo, Nihonmatsu and Mt. Bandhai. During their stay of 10 days in Aizuwakamatsu city in Fukushima prefecture they visited an Elementary school, Kitanomaru Science museum, Garbage incineration plant, Employment and Human Resources Development Organization of Japan and a school of alternative education . In a visit to Koriyama city the group visited Koriyama Housei High School and Fureai Science center. The group was also exposed to a cultural exchange programme at Bandhai Youth development centre in which they shared their views, cultures and rooms with Japanese counterparts. Before the completion of the programme the group members presented their overview of Japanese culture and systems.