April 2017 - March 2018
JJETAA NEWS Special Anniversary Issue
Celebrating 15 years of Fostering Awareness and Cultural Exchange between Jamaica and Japan
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Inside this Issue Message from the Ambassador of Japan to Jamaica
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The JET Programme
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JJETAA Executive 2018-19
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The President’s Message
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Celebrating 15 years of Existence
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Introducing Hideki Shinozaki
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Beach Clean up 2017
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JJETAA at Church Teachers’ College
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15th Anniversary Essay Competition
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Pictorial Year in Review 2017-18
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Reflections from a Past President of JJETAA
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Essay: The Japan Exchange (JET) Programme not only benefits Japan, but Jamaica as well
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Essay Competition Topics
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Making the Japan Dream a Reality
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Reflections on My Early Experience in Japan
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Update on JETAA-I
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Then...Now
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I am so thrilled to bring you this Special 15th Anniversary issue of JJETAA News! It makes me proud to say I've had the honour of actively being involved with JJETAA for 10 of them, and I'm just as passionate about our mission today as I was when I first started. I invite you to feast your eyes on our beautiful anniversary cover which features both a yellow poui tree and a cherry blossom tree symbolizing the partnership between Jamaica and Japan. As you check out the rest of the amazing features we have for you in this issue, I hope that you will be informed and entertained. This issue of JJETAA’s Annual Newsletter has two main areas of focus: a review of the Association’s activities over the period April 2017 to March 2018 and a celebration of our 15 years of existence. The issue includes a message from Ambassador Hiromasa Yamazaki, information about the JET Programme, and learn more about Hideki Shinozaki and his life in Jamaica. It also includes articles and photos showcasing the activities organized by the association over the past 15 years, the winning essay from the Essay Competition that targeted tertiary level academic institutions, stories from current and former JETs and a look at where some members of the association were then (in Japan) and now (in Jamaica). If you have not yet liked our Facebook page, I urge you to do so by visiting https:// www.facebook.com/JamaicaJETAlumniAssociation/. And we also invite you to follow us on Instagram by visiting https://www.instagram.com/jamaica_jet_alumni/?hl=en. On behalf of the association, I would like to thank CLAIR, the Embassy of Japan in Jamaica, our affiliates and friends for your support over the years. Our accomplishments to date would not have been possible without you. I am also incredibly grateful to the current and former JETs, who contributed to this publication. I’m truly excited about the future of JJETAA and I believe the best is yet to come. Best Regards,
Marsha Dennie Sakaiminato City, Tottori 2002-2005
CREDITS
Calendar of Events 2018-19 Beach Clean-up Activity (September)
Picnic by the Poui (November)
Annual General Meeting (March)
And more…
EDITOR Marsha Dennie CONTRIBUTORS Sheena Jarrett Janette Fuller Sheril Morgan Fay Samuels Kelroy “Kirk” Brown
COVER IMAGES Yellow poui - https://goo.gl/uhtrax - Posted by Roger Chuck on April 24, 2013
Cherry Blossom - https://goo.gl/7jVi4N Posted by John Neko on March 27, 2015
This newsletter is made possible through the kind support of the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR), Japan
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MESSAGE FROM THE AMBASSADOR OF JAPAN TO JAMAICA I wish to congratulate all the members of the Jamaican JET Alumni Association on reaching a very important milestone of 15 years since its inception. Heartfelt thanks for keeping the Japanese culture alive in Jamaica. You have worked hard to enhance the diplomatic relations between Japan and Jamaica by promoting Japanese culture and serving as a support group for former, current and prospective JET Participants.
The Association has celebrated many high points in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan through engaging in activities including, but not limited to school visits, information sessions, cultural events and the annual recruitment process for the JET Programme. Your due diligence and hard work have not gone unnoticed and I would like to commend you on your efforts.
The Alumni Association is a unique organization to offer practical outlook from experienced JETs who have had the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the Japanese culture; thus allowing them to speak confidently about the tremendous benefits of continuing and further developing the strong relations that exist between the two countries.
I’d like to take this opportunity to assure you, dear JJETAA members that the Embassy of Japan is always willing to support your valuable contributions to Jamaica in whatever way possible. I wish you all the best on this your 15th year of celebration and I look forward to a lifetime bond between Japan and Jamaica. Thank you very much.
His Excellency Hiromasa Yamazaki
derful association. This medium is an excellent opportunity to build relations tions which are critical to strengthening the legacy of the JET Programme. It is important that you keep sharing your experiences which will encourage prospective JETs to serve as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) as we seek to create diversity in this increasingly globalized world.
It is my hope that you will continue to welcome new members to this won-
Arigato gozaimashita.
THE JET PROGRAMME The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme started in 1987 with the aim to improve foreign language education and promote international exchange at the local level, by recruiting young people from abroad and appointing them as teachers at municipalities and public or private schools. Since 2000, Jamaica has been one of the participant countries in this programme with over 300 Jamaicans having served or still serving as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) at elementary, junior high and high schools across Japan.
Are you looking for the opportunity that will really change your life?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan recruits and screens applicants through Japanese overseas missions. In Jamaica, the Embassy of Japan is the institution that coordinates the JET Programme.
Useful Links Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan Link to page on the JET Programme http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/culture/ people/youth/jet/index.html Embassy of Japan in Jamaica Link to page on the JET Programme http://www.jamaica.emb-japan.go.jp/ itpr_en/jet_programme.html Embassy Facebook page - https:// www.facebook.com/ JapanEmbJamaica/ JET Programme - http:// jetprogramme.org/en/
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THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE JJETAA Executive 2018-19
Sheena Jarrett President
Marsha Dennie Vice President
Kay Dunkley Treasurer
Happy 15th Anniversary JJETAA! Our 15th Anniversary celebrations were the main focus this year and we appreciate the support of the Embassy of Japan in Jamaica in seeing our commemorative reception take place successfully. It was a great opportunity to walk down memory lane and connect with persons who shared similar experiences on the JET Programme. The highlight of the event was being able to honour past JJETAA presidents and affiliate members who have been instrumental in fostering the growth and longevity of the association. Our annual Beach Clean-up continues to be a huge draw for our members who dedicate their time to helping to care for our environment. As usual, we joined forces with the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) in September, to clean up the shores of the Palisadoes Strip.
We are proud of the work that we continue to do and the support we have always received not only from our members, but also from our friends at the Embassy of Japan, UWI Japanese Club and the Association of Jamaica Monbukagakusho Scholars (AJMS).
We continue to offer support to the Embassy of Japan in the screening and interview of prospective JET applicants, and we are pleased that our efforts have resulted in increased awareness of the JET Programme and the strengthening of the relationship between Jamaica and Japan. This was also a year of farewells, as we said goodbye to Former Ambassador Nakano and Reika Inoue, Cultural Officer, who provided invaluable support in the fulfillment of our goals. We look forward to working with the new ambassador and cultural officer, and the continued collaboration between the two organizations. As we anticipate a new year, I want to say a special thank you to our active members, who constantly provide yeoman service to the alumni and I also welcome the new returnees who have come into the fold and expressed interest in giving back to the alumni. Through your efforts, I am confident that JJETAA will continue to grow and inspire prospective members to follow suit. Here’s to many more years of building bridges and strengthening of ties between Jamaica and Japan!
ABOUT JJETAA
Fay Samuels Public Relations Officer (PRO)
The Jamaica Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme Alumni Association (JJETAA) was established in 2002. Individuals who have completed at least one year in the JET Programme are automatically recognized as Full Members of JJETAA.
Individuals who have worked in the education sector in Japan, have studied in Japan, or any person, club or society who/ which has an affiliation with Japan and/or with Japanese culture and who/which expresses a genuine interest to share in the Association’s activities are eligible to join the Association as Associate (or Affiliate) Members.
Janette Fuller Secretary
Objectives of JJETAA
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CELEBRATING 15 YEARS OF EXISTENCE September 1 was a special day: JJETAA members, staff of the Japanese Embassy and the association’s affiliate members and friends gathered at the residence of Ambassador of Japan to Jamaica to celebrate JJETAA’s 15th Anniversary. JJETAA was formed in 2002 by the first set of Jamaican JETs who served as Assistant Language Teachers at elementary, junior high and senior high schools in Japan.
The evening came to close with the presentation of awards to Past JJETAA Presidents and Affiliates, who were recognized for their outstanding service to the association.
The reception was a celebration of the association’s achievements in enhancing relations between Jamaica and Japan; promoting Japanese culture in Jamaica; and serving as a support group for former, current and prospective Jamaican JET participants. In his congratulatory message to the association, Ambassador Nakano said “You have worked hard to enhance the diplomatic relations between Japan and Jamaica by promoting Japanese culture within Jamaica.” Florence Blackwood, senior director of sports development and monitoring, who read a message on behalf of Honourable Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sports, congratulated the association on its milestone and expressed special commendations to the Government of Japan for its contribution to the development of Jamaica.
Claudia Barnes, former Ambassador of Jamaica to Japan, raised a toast, wishing JJETAA success and encouraging the members to continue to demonstrate discipline, meticulousness and hard work in executing all its activities. While enjoying a sumptuous meal, guests were regaled with eclectic music from a former JET, Gregory Gordon, and stories of his sojourn in Japan. His presentation was complemented with video presentations from former JETs, who reminisced about the impact of the JET Programme and the Japanese culture on their lives.
INTRODUCING HIDEKI SHINOZAKI Hideki Shinozaki, who has been living in Jamaica since March 2015, is the Second Secretary, Head of Economic Affairs, Economic Cooperation, Culture and Public Relations at the Embassy of Japan. He is from Fukuoka in Japan. We will allow him to tell you more about himself. Before I joined the foreign service in February 2015, I had taught Spanish and Latin America Studies at various universities in Japan. As a researcher, I had been in Argentina for four years and also Colombia for two years.
One of my favourite places to visit in Jamaica is the mountain side because it makes me feel relaxed. I particularly like to visit UCC Craighton Estate and engage in one of my favourite activities - sip and savour Blue Mountain coffee. My most favourite Jamaican food is fish tea. One of the challenges I have been experiencing in adjusting to life in Jamaica is ‘Jamaican Taxi Drivers’.
In my free time I enjoy reading books at Café Blue. My favourite day is Friday because I can’t wait to enjoy my own “free time” during the weekend!! Hajimemashite! Dozo yoroshiku onegaishimasu!
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BEACH CLEAN UP 2017 For the 6th consecutive year, the JJETAA joined in the commemoration of International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day on September 16. ICC Day takes place on the third Saturday in September every year and is the largest one-day volunteer event in the world! For over three decades, the Ocean Conservancy in Texas has been coordinating volunteers across the globe to collect millions of pounds of trash in over 100 countries. In Jamaica, ICC Day is coordinated by the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET). This year JET was celebrating 10 years as ICC national coordinators. Like the previous year, the Association joined JET at its satellite site on the Palisadoes Strip in Kingston instead of selecting and coordinating a site on our own. Each year, an increasing number of groups have been joining in the effort resulting in an increase in the competition for available cleaning sites.
At the end of the activity, emotions were mixed. The groups were appalled at the large amount of garbage collected by but felt a feeling of accomplishment as each piece of garbage collected from the coastline represented an item of waste that we prevented from entering the sea, where it would be more difficult to eliminate. Over 9,600 volunteers cleaned 147 sites covering 103.59 miles of coastline. The 25-member JJETAA group collected 11 bags of garbage, totaling 145 pounds. Island wide, 7,425 garbage bags totaling 160,628.20 pounds were collected. After the cleanup activity, JET produced a National Report that was submitted to the Ocean Conservancy in Washington DC, USA and also circulated it to various ICC stakeholders, including government ministers and agencies, manufacturers and distributors of plastic products.
We are grateful for the support that we received from JJETAA’s affiliate members and friends; high school students; staff of the Embassy of Japan in Jamaica and the JJETAA membership.
Please join us on ICC Day on 15 September 2018 as we help to tackle Jamaica’s solid waste problem!
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JJETAA AT CHURCH TEACHERS’ COLLEGE As part of its 15th Anniversary celebrations, two members of the JET Alumni Association (JJETAA) visited Church Teachers’ College (CTC) on 17 October 2017 to introduce students to Japan’s culture.
JJETAA looks forward to visiting CTC and other academic institutions in the future as it continues its mission to foster cultural awareness and exchange between Jamaica and Japan by engaging with students at various levels of the education system.
Terrike Brown and Janette Fuller encouraged the students to apply to be a part of the JET Programme by providing an overview of the programme and sharing their experiences of living and working in Japan. The opportunity was also used to promote the 15th Anniversary Essay Competition, which was targeted at tertiary institutions. The students who attended the presentation were in their final year of study and were quite engaged. At the end of the presentation, a number of them indicated an interest in applying. The principal of CTC, Dr. Garth Anderson, expressed his delight at the visit from the Association and extended an invitation for a similar visit in the future. He said, “the JET Programme provides a great opportunity for students to develop their teaching skills, therefore, I am happy to encourage all of my students to take advantage of the opportunity”. Contributed by Janette Fuller JJETAA Member Fukuoka, 2000-2002
15TH ANNIVERSARY ESSAY COMPETITION Santrecia Jackson, a first year student at St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College, won the JJETAA’s 15th Anniversary Essay Competition on November 23, 2017 at an Awards Reika Inoue and Sheena Jarrett (left) and Janette Fuller (right) Ceremony with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Winners of the Essay held at the Competition Courtleigh Hotels and Suites. Moya-Gaye Hamilton and Gabrielle Wright from Church Teachers’ College placed second and third respectively. Ms. Reika Inoue, Cultural Officer at the Embassy of Japan in Jamaica applauded JJETAA for spearheading the Essay Competition. In addition to commending the students for their par-
ticipation, she expressed the hope that the participants had “garnered a wide range of knowledge on Japan to deepen their interest in participating in the JET Programme”. She further said “this Essay Competition serves to foster awareness of the impact of the collaboration between Japan and Jamaica in deepening the relationship, which was forged 53 years ago….” Sheena Jarrett, President of JJETAA commended the students for their participation in the essay competition. She said “We are delighted to have successfully fulfilled our mission to assist in strengthening the Jamaica-Japan relationship through activities such as these, and we look forward to many more years of mutually beneficial collaboration between the two nations.” This essay competition was aimed at students attending universities and teacher training institutions and saw participation from the University of the West Indies, College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE), Church Teachers’ College, Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College and St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College.
Cash prizes and awards to the value of $70,000 were presented to the awardees. Contributed by Janette Fuller JJETAA Member Fukuoka, 2000-2002
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PICTORIAL YEAR IN REVIEW 2017-2018
JET Orientation Session at Japanese Embassy - July 2017
Digicel Run, Downtown Kingston - October 2017
Bonenkai (End of Year Party) at Sora Japanese Restaurant, December 2017
Japan Day at Knutsford Court Hotel - January 2018
Farewell Function for Ambassador Masanori Nakano and Mrs Nakano at Japanese Ambassador’s Residence, October 2017
Emperor’s Birthday Celebration at the Japanese Ambassador’s Residence - December 2017
JJETAA Annual General Meeting at Hotel Four Seasons - March 2018
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REFLECTIONS FROM A PAST PRESIDENT OF JJETAA It has been said that at the heart of success is service. This mantra holds true for JJETAA’s success, which has been buoyed for the past 15 years by an untiring set of volunteers. It was a pleasure and a privilege to serve as President of the Association from 2013-2015. Sheril Morgan Past President, JJETAA 2013-2015
These, and other activities showcased below, are but snippets of the many initiatives undertaken by the Association over the past 15 years. May the Association’s next 15 years be as vibrant as its last 15!
During my tenure as President, we celebrated the 50th year of diplomatic relations between Jamaica and Japan.
In addition to partnering with the Embassy of Japan in its main event, the Japan Festival or ‘Nihon Matsuri’, we executed two major activities in 2014 to mark the occasion: the Garbage Sorting and Recycling Project “Sort it Out”, implemented at Kensington Primary School, and a beach clean-up activity at Forum Beach respectively. The objective of the “Sort it Out” Project was to promote recycling practices through the sorting of plastic bottles and paper in the classroom. 1
The beach clean-up activity, part of the International Coastal Cleanup Day activities, was also a sterling success.
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Participating in a dance at Nihon Matsuri (Japan Festival) in March 2014 at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in Kingston . The festival was the main event organized by the Embassy of Japan to mark the 50th year of formalized relations between Jamaica and Japan
1. Enjoying a picnic on October 2013 by a poui tree planted by JJETAA at the Hope Gardens in Kingston in 2011. JJETAA was joined by persons from the Embassy of Japan, the Japanese Community, UWI and UTECH, Jamaica Japanese Clubs, and friends of the association. 2. Conducting a Japan Awareness Workshop in January 2014 at the St. Aloysius Primary School in Downtown Kingston. Students and teachers from other primary schools in the area also participated in the workshop. Information was shared on the Japanese culture, education system, food, fashion, industries and architecture.
Marking International Coastal Clean up Day in September 2014 at a beach clean up activity at the Forum Beach in Portmore, St Catherine with persons from the Embassy of Japan; Kensington Primary School; and the UWI & UTECH, Jamaica Japanese Clubs as well as friends of the association
Implementing the Garbage Sorting & Recycling Project at Kensington Primary School in Portmore, St Catherine in September 2014 - Grade 4 classes were presented with 10 bins for separation of plastic beverage bottles and paper, 6 super sacks for storage of the bottles and 2 plastic dumpsters to facilitate the collection of the papers by a recycling company
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ESSAY: THE JAPAN EXCHANGE & TEACHING (JET) PROGRAMME NOT ONLY BENEFITS JAPAN, BUT JAMAICA AS WELL participate as Assistant Language Teachers (ALT) for a period of one to five years. Therefore, the JET Programme does not cause brain drain but contributes to the economy and cultural awareness of individuals. ‘No man is an island no man stands alone’, a quote by John Donne underscores the importance of the JET Programme to both Japan and Jamaica. This programme builds cultural awareness and limits cultural barriers among participants and citizens of Japan. The different cultures are taught and learnt directly and indirectly. Individuals are exposed to the Japanese culture and learn different strategies of teaching.
Santrecia Jackson - St. Joseph's Teachers’ College 1st Place winner, Essay Competition
Like the Caribbean, Japan has become a melting pot of cultures through the implementation of the Japan Exchange Teaching (JET) Programme. This Programme contributes significantly to the increase of globalization by facilitating the constructive exchange of ideas when participants worldwide become immersed in their new home. As a reoccurring ingredient in this stew, Jamaica, for several years has provided teachers who help to create learning situations in a distinctly different cultural setting. The outcome has been a unique flavour that not only impacts the teaching outcomes in Japan, but also our teachers and the Jamaican society on their return. The JET Programme’s website announces that it started in 1987 with the purpose of “promoting interationalisation in Japan’s local communities by helping to improve foreign language education and developing international exchange at the community level”. It began with only four countries, and has since increased to 44 countries. The continuous and repeated participation of countries for several years suggests that there are positive impacts of this programme on individuals and countries. By sharing our cultural and pedagogical skills through the J.E.T Programme, Jamaica and Japan create a dynamic environment that is equally beneficial to both countries, socially and culturally, thus increasing mutual understanding between two unique groups of people. The most noticeable benefit is an increased understanding of cultural behaviours and values evidenced in the continuation of this programme for several years. The Embassy of Japan’s website reported that “343 Jamaicans have participated in the JET Programme since the year 2000”. Jamaicans are able to
This programme offers more than teaching in the classroom for participants. It offers them a chance to holistically develop themselves and hence develop their families and country. The participants of this programme have families hence the promising possibility of remittances sent to Jamaica. It offers Jamaicans a chance to learn a new language and learn to communicate with different people around the world. Therefore, this programme is a good way for teachers to enhance their impartiality in the classroom because of exposure to diverse groups of people. Our teachers will therefore develop an appreciation of multiple perspectives in the Jamaican or any classroom as they learn to respect their culture and the culture of others. Working together helps us to understand each other and promotes national understanding. Moreover, both countries although different culturally, share a similar work ethic that unifies us to build lifelong relationships though this partnership. The testimonials of Jamaican participants are quite fascinating. Japan prides itself in hard work and Jamaicans are hard workers helping Japan to make their project successful. The Jamaica Observer reported that the Japanese Government has been so impressed with the Jamaicans who participate in its programme that it has nearly doubled the number of places open to the Caribbean islanders, (Thompson, 2015). Jamaicans are known to make an impact wherever they go hence it is likely that the lives of Japanese will and are being touched by Jamaicans. With a history of hard work, Jamaicans have been offering tremendous service to the Japanese community. More importantly, Jamaica benefits from the employment of several of its trained citizens while Japan over the years has received trained and qualified workers. According to the University Council of Jamaica, Jamaica’s teacher training colleges are ac credited to produce well trained individuals. English Language is Jamaica’s second language hence Japan benefits from this in order to improve Language in Japan. In the Japan Times, MEXT announced in August 2017 that English would be an official subject in grades 5 and 6, a move started in the year 2000. cont’d on page 11
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ESSAY: THE JAPAN EXCHANGE & TEACHING (JET) PROGRAMME NOT ONLY BENEFITS JAPAN, BUT JAMAICA AS WELL (CONT’D) cont’d from page 10
Therefore, there has been a need for Assistant Language Teachers in Japan, positions our trained primary and secondary educators can fill. This resolves the vacant posts in Japan and reduces unemployment challenges for newly trained Jamaican teachers. English Language is Jamaica’s second language emphasized at all levels. While other languages are compulsory it is mandatory that all college students to be certified in English Language. As such, it is fair to say that the inclusion of Jamaica in the JET Programme is wise and beneficial to Japan. Jamaican educators, having learned English language from birth or childhood, are exploding with potential and experience to assist with language learning in Japan. The water is safest at the source: hence a solid foundation in language learning will be laid by our teachers. Human Resource is the most precious resource in a country. Japan needing human resource due to their aim in increasing English Language knowledge in their country will benefit from our human resources It is often said in Jamaica that ‘one hand can’t clap’: at the end of the J.E.T Programme, Jamaica receives experienced educators who return to continue working in Jamaican schools. According to Masanori Nakano, former Ambassador of Japan to Jamaica, they received 266 applications for the JET Programme. This therefore implies that there is a great need for employment in Jamaica. It should be noted that this employment will not cause a reduction in teachers available in Jamaica but will build the teachers knowledge and awareness. These individuals return to Jamaica at the end of the programme in some cases, after five years. Many individuals have given several convincing and heartfelt testimonials of the impacts of the JET Programme. Jamaica has therefore benefitted with the development of its human resource. The programme not only focuses on employing qualified workers but provides security and good salary for participants as well as skills that can be transferred to the Jamaican society. This programme builds the individuals self confidence in challenging themselves. Helping them to gain international connection could become critical for future business connection. It contributes to reducing the language barrier between both countries by providing opportunities for creative sharing in the world of education. Sheena Jarrett, a participant in the JET Programme during 20082013, explained that, “[A]nyone who has been on the programme will tell you that it’s not just a teaching job; it’s a lifealtering experience. You are called upon to be cultural ambassadors, public speakers, entertainers, and life-changers. On the JET Programme, you are compelled to step outside of your comfort zone and explore unchartered territories. It hasn’t always been
easy but I have never regretted my decision”. Therefore, this suggests that the JET Programme not only exposes Jamaicans to a new language and culture but it also gives Jamaica a platform to market and inform individuals about Jamaica. The culture of Jamaica is attractive and calls for exploration. Jamaica can therefore receive tourist; increasing tourism and finance in Jamaica. In the same way, Jamaicans being exposed to Japan and its culture may return on visits or for other purposes benefitting Japan’s tourism and finance sector. Other powerful testimonials from Marsha Dennie and Karen Bailey-Coleman express similar praises of the JET Programme. To sum up, the JET Programme provides a platform for the development of individuals in both Japan and Jamaica. It alters the language barrier between both countries to some degree and the JET’s success reflects the possibilities of building good business relationships between both countries. This is proven by the praises given by the country and the increase in the number of Jamaicans participating in the JET Programme. Jamaicans in return have sung praises of the contribution of the JET Programme. Maxwell Maltz, a surgeon in 1950, stated: “If you do something twenty-one times it becomes a habit.” Jamaican teachers having been exposed to teaching English to Japanese children, are likely to return with a greater understanding of English knowledge and different methods in which to teach it. The JET Programme is one medium through which we can use the skills we are good at to help other children become marketable internationally and as a consequence expose our culture to others and encourage individuals to visit Jamaica and contribute to nation building and vice versa for Japan.
ESSAY COMPETITION TOPICS 1) The Japan-Jamaican relationship should be strengthened as it is instrumental in building cultural and economic bridges between the two countries. 2) The scholarships that Japan offers to qualified Jamaicans to study in Japan represent a contribution to Jamaica’s development. 3) The Japan and Exchange Teaching (JET) Programme not only benefits Japan, but Jamaica as well.
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MAKING THE JAPAN DREAM A REALITY Shintoism. Instead, Ama is a picturesque rural village with friendly residents and a strong sense of community. My connection to the mainland is a 2-4 hour ferry and bus ride at set times with this service being at the mercy of the weather especially in the winter months.
Kelroy “Kirk” Brown Jamaican ALT, Amo-cho, Shimane-ken 2017 - Present
Six years ago, I was featured in this very same newsletter. I had recently returned from my first visit to Japan and spoke about my interests in Japan, how I managed to visit and blogging at Jamaipanese.com. Rereading that interview is like a tangible measuring stick to how I have progressed in the years since. The two takeaways are: I remain fascinated by Japan and I have achieved the unbelievable dream of finishing college and living in Japan. I am now a participant on the JET Programme and reside in Ama-cho; a small island town in Shimane Prefecture surrounded by the Sea of Japan. It is not your typical Japanese town. It’s the third largest of the four Oki Islands and even after almost a year living here, the beauty of the landscape and the people continue to surprise me. I have been welcomed as one of the 2300 "Ama-jin" on my island and its starting to feel like home. There are no skyscrapers, convenience stores, neon lights, trains or other things synonymous with popular depictions of Japan as a high tech big city metropolis with a connection to its feudal past and
Many current and present JETs have spoken about the initial shock resulting from moving to Japan. Many days I still feel like I am in shock but with each passing month it gets easier. Winter was difficult but I made it and now have that experience under my belt and many stories to tell. My participation in the JET Programme is the result of a decade long plan and process. I have been fortunate enough to have benefited from the tutelage of numerous JJETAA members, many of whom continue to check on my well-being. Living in Japan so far has honestly been like a dream becoming reality with everyday being an adventure, a lesson, a challenge, a victory or a combination of all of these things. Learning Japanese remains my biggest hurdle as surviving in my rural placement is near impossible without learning the language. I am mentally fatigued almost every day from processing Japanese 95% of the day but the end result is my Japanese ability, primarily listening, has improved tremendously. I am an Assistant Language Teacher at four schools on my island. I am based at the Junior High School where I go every day. I also go to two elementary schools weekly and the kindergarten once a month. I can safely say that I teach everyone 15 or under on my island.
I had very little experience teaching children before coming to Japan and I was really worried about being able to perform well at my duties. However, I have benefited from so many training, workshops and seminars since arriving that I have quickly adjusted. The pre-departure workshops in Jamaica were also extremely useful, especially the input of former JETs. Hearing Keruroi-sensei in classes or randomly while walking to the store never gets old. I could write easily write another 1000 words about some of my experiences in classes and with students; let’s just say there is hardly a dull day. cont’d on page 13
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MAKING THE JAPAN DREAM A REALITY (CONT’D) cont’d from page 12
I believe that my maturity and genuine interest in Japan, the JET Programme and its ideals have been my greatest assets. Japan is a completely different culture compared to Jamaica. Like everywhere, it has its pros and cons. I spent 15 years working for the Jamaican Government before coming to Japan. That experience was useful but work culture in Japan is something than many have trouble deciphering. In Japan, in the face of a challenge or uncertainty, I simply remember to be subtle, humble and grateful and so far, all major challenges I have faced have been surmounted. I am subtle by using clever and indirect methods when trying to achieve a desired goal/action. I am humble because I do not always need to be the star attraction. I am also grateful and appreciative of anything done for me no matter how small.
In Japan never be forceful, arrogant or ungrateful and life here would be so much better. I also ensure I celebrate my big or small achievements here as well as taking the time to recalibrate when needed. Overall I can say I am happy living in Japan, I miss my family in Jamaica and life on an island adds another barrier even to friends I have in Japan. However, I would not change my placement and I have grown attached to my community and the children under my charge. I remain committed to promoting grass-roots internationalization at the local level here in Japan and will continue to fly Jamaica's flag high!
REFLECTIONS ON MY EARLY EXPERIENCE IN JAPAN During the first weekend I went to my local supermarket (I rode my bike of course). I was a bit lost so I saw a young guy and tried to get his assistance. By the time I could ask him for directions he quickly rode away. Luckily I was already heading in the right direcFay Samuels, Former ALT tion (though a longer way) Nanto-shi, Toyama-ken and a helpful young lady 2009-2012 pointed out that I should just continue. I decided that I wanted to buy air fresheners for my closet. I can't read Japanese so if there are no pictures on the packages all I can do is use my senses, in this case all I could do was smell everything that looked like air freshener and hope for the best. I took out my dictionary, gestured to what looked like air fresheners and asked the store assistant "closet?”, she just kept smiling and pointing at her clothes. I think she was laughing at me and she would not say no so I just grabbed one. When I got home and opened the package I realised I had bought toilet bowl freshener but that's life in Japan for a non-Japanese. Next, I wanted to buy some fried food. My supervisor had helped me the last time to get fried chicken so I was almost certain that what I had picked up was indeed chicken. I said the Japanese word for chicken and the lady at the deli area just laughed at me, she continued laughing and then ran away. They are always running away? Are they so scared and shy of talking to a foreigner? I could not be bothered to go through the whole process again as I did with the air freshener so I just bought what I had taken up. Needless to say, it was not chicken! It was way too soft. I still have no idea what it was and to tell the truth I do not think I want
to find out.” I later found out that what I thought was simply fried chicken was actually Korokke, a deep fried mixture of cooked chopped meat, seafood, or vegetables with mashed potato. This turned out to be a favourite of mine which led to a bit of weight gain during my tenure. Another time in Japan, a fellow teacher gave me a gift that consisted of multiple sachets that smelled really good. When I went home and opened the package I realised there was no writing or pictures on the container and I was completely clueless about what it was. I experienced a eureka moment and thought to myself this must be one version of the long sought after air freshener, after all they smelled so good. I promptly placed all the sachets at different positions all over my closet and even in my clothes. Years later I found out that the sachets were not cute Japanese air fresheners but contained herbal teas. My expression upon this discovery…priceless. I now love herbal teas. Overall, rural Japan was amazing. It was a whole new world for this rural Jamaican girl and I would not have traded my three years living there, for anything.
JJETAA NEWS
14
UPDATE ON JETAA-I The JET Alumni Association International (JETAA-I) comprises the global community of former participants in the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme and their JET Alumni Association chapters. JETAA-I is served by two Executive Officers who are elected by the Executive Committee to oversee support activities for chapters and members along with the various information-exchange activities that form the core of JETAA-I's services.
The Executive Officers for the 2018-19 term are: Chair - Ashlie O'Neill Vice Chair - Rose Tanasugarn The President of JJETAA serves as the Country Representative on the Executive Committee of JETAA-I JETAA-I Website - https://www.jetaainternational.org/ JETAA-I Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/ JETAAInternational/
THEN … NOW
In the 2013-14 edition of this newsletter, information was shared on 9 JJETAA members. We learnt about where they lived and worked in Japan and the number of years they spent in that country as an Assistant Language Teacher. In addition, we learnt about where they lived and worked in Jamaica and their current profession. In this edition of the newsletter, we learn about another 7 JJETAA Members.
THEN * City, Prefecture where they lived * Type of School (s) at which they worked as ALT * Period in Japan as ALT
Sheena Jarrett
* Suita City, Osaka * Senior High School * 2008-2013
Janette Fuller
* Fukuoka * Senior High School * 2002-2004
Sauna Maragh
* Osaka City, Osaka * Elementary, Junior High and Senior High Schools * 2005-2010
Maria Mutidjo
* Higashi-Osaka, Osaka * Senior High School * 2006-2009
Matthew Palmer
* Fuchu City, Hiroshima * Elementary and Junior High School * 2007-2010
Beneinetch Watson
Nicola C. Williams
* Wakayama City, Wakayama * Kindergarten, Junior High and Senior High Schools * 2002-2005 * Uoza City, Toyama * Senior High Schools * 2014-2015
NOW * City/Town where they live * Type of Institution where they work * Profession/Job Position * Social Involvement * Kingston, Jamaica * Academic institution * Teacher (Secondary level) * JJETAA, Toastmasters International * Kingston, Jamaica * Private * Writer * JJETAA * Kingston, Jamaica * International organization * Project Administrator * JJETAA, Toastmasters International * Kingston, Jamaica * Academic institution * Teacher (Secondary level) * JJETAA, Convent of Mercy Academy Recycling Club * St Andrew, Jamaica * Diplomatic organization * Visa clerk * JJETAA * Kingston, Jamaica * Public sector organization * Senior Lecturer * Citizens Association, Regional Neighbourhood Watch * St Andrew, Jamaica * Tertiary institution * Social Work * Council of Voluntary Social Services
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