K-DEC (Kanagawa Development Education Center) is a citizens' group established in 2005 to promote development education and education for international understanding. It is a nonprofit voluntary association without legal incorporation. It values learning that links global problems such as poverty, conflict, human rights violations and the climate crisis with local issues in Kanagawa, such as child poverty and marine pollution from microplastics.
Its activities have three pillars. The first is events such as "Development Education Seminars," "K-DEC Cafe" and "Kotobuki Yose." The second is dispatching instructors for school classes, teacher training and training for NGO staff. The third is developing teaching materials and publications. Some of the workshop materials can be downloaded and used freely.
Its instructor programs include "New Trade Game," "Marshmallow Challenge," "Blind Game" and "Let's Develop Our Village!", which let participants think about international cooperation and multicultural coexistence through hands-on experience. K-DEC also works with local organizations such as JICA Yokohama and Amnesty International Japan.
Key points
- Development education unique to Kanagawa, built on the idea of connecting local communities to the world
- Game and workshop-style programs, with instructors dispatched to schools and training sessions
- Free downloads of original teaching materials, and publications such as "Designing Learning for the SDGs Era"
Why this organization's work stands out
Rather than leaving global issues as stories about faraway countries, K-DEC creates places to learn by linking them with familiar local issues. The involvement of teachers and citizens in running the group also supports practice in schools and communities.
With materials made public and an easy-to-approach instructor dispatch service, it is a useful organization for school teachers, local study groups and anyone who wants to learn about international cooperation.
Editor's comment
Programs where you experience trade and international cooperation through games seem like a fun way for both children and adults to learn.
Event dates, materials and information on instructor dispatch are on the official website. Please take a look.