We held a Japan training program.

The Japan Training Program was held from September 8 to September 15, 2024. A total of 14 participants visited Japan: President Chhea Ratha and Vice President Hoat Sinowan from Battambang University of Education in Cambodia, nine faculty members from Phnom Penh University of Education and Battambang University of Education, and three staff members from the Cambodia Office.

Currently, this project is developing textbooks for establishing a School Health Course in the junior high school curriculum at Cambodian teacher training universities. Additionally, a one-credit health education lecture for students outside the School Health Course is planned. Therefore, this Japan study tour program focused on observing Japanese junior high schools and explaining textbooks used in the junior high school curriculum.

At the training opening ceremony, President Mitsuru Kokubu of Tokyo Gakugei University delivered a welcome address, followed by remarks from President Chhea Ratha of Battambang University of Education. Project Leader Professor Takashi Asakura, Specially Appointed Professor, gave a lecture on the training objectives and the current state of Japanese schools.

School visits included Tokyo Gakugei University Koganei Elementary School, Tokyo Gakugei University International Secondary School, Machida Municipal Minami Junior High School, and Zama Municipal Sagami Junior High School. Participants were deeply moved by the heartwarming welcome at each school, including Khmer-language welcome boards and interaction time with junior high students.

At each school, we observed health education classes taught by physical education teachers, health guidance sessions conducted by school nurses and other staff, and toured the health rooms. During the health room tours, it was particularly impressive to hear from the school nurses at each school that addressing health challenges faced by Japanese students, such as mental health issues, involves not only the school nurse but also a team approach with other teachers and specialists.

On a separate day, we received lectures: Associate Professor Megumi Kagoya from Kyorin University on pediatric health, and Professor Chikage Saito from Saitama University on the history and evolving role of Japanese school health rooms.

Both at the visited schools and during the lectures, lively Q&A sessions centered on content aligned with each participant’s pre-set training objectives!

In the latter half of the training, we paid a courtesy visit to The Nippon Foundation, which is funding this project. We received a welcoming address from Managing Director Yuji Mori.

At the training completion ceremony, each instructor presented their training outcomes and challenges. We heard proactive opinions expressing a desire to apply what they learned in Japan in ways suited to school health in Cambodia.

This marked the third Japan training session. Some instructors had visited Japan multiple times through other programs, while others were experiencing Japan for the first time. Despite the packed schedule, everyone remained energetic and completed the program successfully!

We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who supported the Japan training, including the schools we visited.