On June 8, a training program in which university faculty members will provide guidance to ten educators from the Republic of Senegal regarding how to enhance basic arithmetic skills and improve children’s learning in elementary education was held at Okayama University. The training program, which is one of the activities conducted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)’s Training, and will run until June 24.
　　
Although Senegal’s gross elementary school enrollment rate is on the rise, improving the quality of education has become an issue. The aim of this training program is to create new initiatives that contribute to improved arithmetic skills through attendance of lectures outlining Japanese classrooms methods and structures, and observation of actual classroom research. In addition to lectures and practical training at Okayama University.
　　
The opening ceremony, which was held at the Faculty of Education Building, was attended by 17 people, including Dr. Yoko Yamamoto (Director of the Center for Global Partnerships and Education), Prof. Shigenobu Takatsuka (Dean of the Graduate School of Education) and Ms. Yasue Yoshinari (Director of the Training Program Division, JICA Chugoku). In her opening address, Dr. Yamamoto said, “Elementary education forms the most basic necessary foundation in a person’s life. It is our hope that the experiences gained through this training program are made use of throughout the schools of Senegal and are beneficial to you in the valuable work that you carry out.”

Contact information
International Affairs Division, Center for Global Partnerships and Education
kokusai (a)adm.okayama-u.ac.jp
For inquiries, please contact us by replacing (a) with the @ mark.