Project to create diverse learning options
About this project
In April 2023 we started the "Project to create diverse learning options" in order to solve the learning challenges
of culturally and linguistically diverse young people (CLD youth) with limited study options.
01
About the research
Through qualitative and quantitative research, we identify learning barriers and desired learning methods, while creating new learning spaces by identifying which specific learning options are needed in each region. We build on this foundation to consider and realize learning options in collaboration with many stakeholders.
02
About the target audience
Although the main target of this research is CLD youth, we intend to reach out to a wide range of target groups (including Japanese) and create proposals for the creation of educational spaces and systems that are appropriate for the region. In this process, one of the aims of the research is to involve people from diverse backgrounds and build a support network.
03
Citizenship education project led by young people CLD
This project is part of "citizenship education", in which people see local problems as "their own" and work together to solve them. Therefore, CLD youth will play a leading role in taking this project forward and our organization will support the whole process.
In January 2023, the number of foreign residents in Toyama Prefecture reached a record high
of 19,638 people from 97 countries and regions.
As there are no longer any restrictions on entering the country due to the coronavirus, t
he number of new people arriving in Japan is increasing all the time.
However, in Toyama Prefecture,
children with foreign roots who need Japanese language instruction have few educational options
and are often forced to give up their studies halfway through, or even have the opportunity to
relearn blocked by many difficulties.
For example, evening high school is a study option that Toyama Prefecture does not have,
but we have been told that Toyama Prefecture does not have any requests or doubts about this need.
The support of local studies such as Alece have understood and responded to these needs, but as the number of our organization is small, it can be said that the province as a whole has ignored them.
On the other hand, if we just bring in something that Toyama doesn't have, but is available in
other prefectures, will the needs within the prefecture be satisfied?
Depending on the local situation and the people who live there,
"what you are looking for" and "what is the best possible option" may be different.
Toyama Prefecture is an area where foreigners are widespread,
but that doesn't necessarily mean you can simply imitate areas with large settlements.
So far, in Toyama Prefecture, "teaching efficiency has not improved because the children who need support
are scattered all over the place". And many people are saying, "Wouldn't it be better if we gathered
all the children who don't understand Japanese in one place and taught them?"
However, we need to think carefully about whether this is really possible, since the children
who need support are spread out over a vast area.
Furthermore, in interviews conducted in the past in Takaoka City, many children and former children expressed feelings of discomfort, confusion and sadness at being separated from the people around them.
Process of creating
learning options
Therefore, through quantitative and qualitative research, we are unearthing the hidden voices of
those who live in Toyama Prefecture (not just those with foreign roots, but also those with
non-foreign roots, including children and adults), and we are looking to improve the learning of various residents of our prefecture.
So we decided to clarify these needs, consider the necessary and possible options, and then
submit a proposal to the prefecture (municipalities) to implement them.
Furthermore, we believe that young people with foreign roots, who see this issue as their own
and have multiple channels of language and thoughts, are the most suitable to be in charge of this project.
Of course, it's not easy to "investigate", "meet needs" and "make proposals", and
I don't think everything will go 100% smoothly from the start.
However, we believe that the aim of the Alece Citizenship Education Project is for
each researcher with foreign roots to grow individually through this project.
The 15 researchers for this project are young people in their late teens to 20s who have roots in
Pakistan, Brazil, China, the Philippines, Russia, and the United Kingdom, and who live in Toyama Prefecture.
We're counting on your support!
Researchers' study session
This project will be conducted mainly by young CLDs. We hold study sessions once a month for researchers to deepen their knowledge of research, raise questions, propose solutions and exchange opinions while learning.
Researchers from diverse backgrounds discuss learning issues in Toyama Prefecture and conduct research that draws on their respective strengths.
October progress report meeting
About our proposal
We submitted a proposal to Governor Nitta of Toyama Prefecture on Thursday, December 28, 2023.
We published Proposal No. 4. Our proposals are numbered from No. 1 to No. 10, and the list and details follow below.
Proposal No. 1
We propose to create an "Inclusive and Multicultural Education System of Toyama", offering new learning styles and providing a flexible and lasting system.
Proposal No. 2
Create new learning spaces that can meet the diverse needs of students with foreign roots.
Proposal No. 3
To make changes in Japanese schools with the aim of "Towards a tolerant and free school where no one is left behind. A school where diverse individuality is used to solve problems together with others".
Proposal No. 4
Increase the number of teachers with diverse personalities and develop a system to improve teachers' understanding and qualifications for dealing with diverse international children.
Proposal No. 5
Evaluate the individuality of each student from various perspectives to facilitate their entry into Japanese schools.
Proposal No. 6
Prevent economic disparities from becoming learning disparities.
Proposal No. 7
Create an environment where organizations and companies in Toyama Prefecture respect and actively use the diverse individuality of each person.
Proposal No. 8
Eliminate the information gap between foreigners and Japanese.
Proposal No. 9
Promote the creation of mutually supportive local communities so that the prefecture's diverse residents can continue to learn.
Proposal No. 10
Create a circular system that reflects the voices of those with foreign roots in education and provides feedback.