JICA Tsukuba held its International Cooperation Experience Program for agricultural high school students, with 31 students from 10 schools from Hokkaido to Shizuoka. JICA Tsukuba interns reported on the day.
The students exchanged ideas with trainees who came from Africa to study rice cultivation, took part in harvesting practice, talked with JICA staff and former JICA Volunteers working in the field, and joined a workshop on solving international cooperation challenges.
They broke the ice with activities such as a silent self-introduction using only gestures, and the day also helped them broaden their view of future paths through new friends and learning.
Key points
- Realize how the agriculture they study connects to global food issues and local livelihoods
- Talk directly with people who know the field, including trainees from Africa and former volunteers
- Meet like-minded students from across the country
Why we recommend this event
Agriculture is deeply tied to global issues such as food security, poverty and climate change. Thinking about how one's own expertise can contribute to international cooperation while still in high school is a valuable opportunity.
Programs like this can be a gateway for future leaders in international cooperation. Please check JICA Tsukuba's announcements for future sessions.
Editor's comment
It is reassuring to see students who specialize in a field take global issues as their own. This report is a good way to learn where agriculture and international cooperation meet.
High school students and teachers interested in agriculture and international cooperation, please check JICA Tsukuba's information too.