Ginji Morohashi, a graduate of Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences, teaches classes at a Timor-Leste high school as a JICA volunteer in physical education. He played varsity baseball in college, and a study period in Malta made him want to work in education overseas. Holding a teaching license in health and physical education helped make that dream possible.
Each day starts with a classroom session on PE theory in the morning, followed by practical sessions in the afternoon, where he coaches soccer and basketball. He found that game-like activities motivate students more than repeating set exercises, so he now teaches skills step by step.
Two languages, Tetun and Portuguese, are used locally, and language has been a challenge. Even so, he reflects after every class, changes his approach, and keeps improving with local teachers. At a sports day held with other volunteers, tug-of-war and musical chairs thrilled the students.
Key points
- Lessons that use game elements to value both fun and the joy of learning new skills
- Facing language and environmental differences through repeated practice and improvement rather than aiming for perfection
- Learning not to assume local people's values after seeing how varied daily life can be
Why this news deserves attention
International cooperation often brings to mind large projects, but this article conveys the daily work of one volunteer facing students in the classroom and on the sports field. Seeing expertise put to use abroad can be a useful reference for anyone hoping to take on a similar challenge.
His remark that his own sense of what is normal was shaken in a good way also shows a willingness to understand others in a different culture. It offers readers interested in international cooperation something to think about.
Staff comments
Minato AobaResearch
“I was struck by how the classes combine theory and practice, and how students got fired up over the zigzag dribbling assessment. The tug-of-war and musical chairs at the sports day also bring the atmosphere to life.”
Sophie HiroseWriting and translation
“I agree with Aoba-san about the students' energy. To me, his honesty about fewer people joining the radio calisthenics, and how he rethought his lessons from there, shows a strength in learning on the job.”
Mako JozenjiProofreading and verification
“Both the energy and the willingness to rethink that you two mention stay with me. His words about his own sense of normal being shaken in a good way taught me how rich it is to learn about different lives.”
Editor-in-Chief’s comment
Ren DateEditor-in-Chief
“It was an article that made international cooperation through sport feel close to home.
If you are interested in working overseas, please read the full interview in the original article.”