Students of the Paradise College in Port Moresby were recently given an insight into the Japanese culture by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
At the end of the session, the students learnt a little more about Japan, but importantly the bilateral partnership and cooperation that has existed between both countries since 1975.
The Grade 11 students first went through several presentations that highlighted the work of the Japanese International Cooperation Agency.
They learnt that Japan is the second largest trading partner to PNG, after Australia, and that JICA is the implementing agency of Japan’s Official Development Assistance to developing countries.
To date, the Japanese government has assisted PNG with more than K5 billion in loans, grant AID and technical cooperation – its three ODA schemes.
Before the presentations, Paradise College teacher Samantha Kusari said the excursion to JICA was part of the students’ term 4 topic of learning about culture – not just of PNG but of other countries as well.
“I brought them here to get an insight into Japanese Culture and learn about their people as well,” she said.
Following the presentations, JICA’s Emma Olmi gave a presentations of Japan’s history, some interesting facts about the people, their activities, their way of life and the Japanese writing system.
The students were also given a chance to attempt the Japanese art of origami and calligraphy, and practice using the chopstick.
In the end, it was a win-win for the students and JICA.
“I’ve always been a fan of the Japanese culture and I’m happy I was able to learn more about them today,” said student Luke Mauta.
Helga Schuster said: “They are very innovative. I also learnt we usually import a lot of machinery from them and I also didn’t know they re-modelled our airport and (other infrastructure) around the country.”
JICA’s assistant administration officer, Emma Olmi, said: “At least they know the projects carried out in the country. As well as that, the basis and importance of bilateral relations between the two governments.”