Trip gives travellers food for thought

Japanese student Aki Kato enjoys a hangi with Te Kura Kaupapa Maori O Rotoiti students.

A delegation of 26 young people from Japan visited Rotorua exploring key aspects of the New Zealand education system through the Ship for World Youth programme.

The group of youths was shown around Rotorua on Thursday and Friday with a particular focus on education for sustainable development.

As part of the itinerary, the delegation spent time at Te Kura Kaupapa Maori O Rotoiti to learn about Maori medium schooling.

Principal Para Meha said he gave the delegates a rundown of the different aspects of New Zealand education.

"We talked about how all schools in New Zealand, both mainstream and Maori medium, were similar in the curriculum they taught, but differed in the way the curriculum was delivered to students."

One Japanese delegate, Takuya Azegami, 20, said he noticed there were huge cultural differences between New Zealand and Japan.

"Here in New Zealand, you celebrate your Maori culture and work to keep it alive through education, whereas that does not happen in Japan.

"There are many things we have learned through the New Zealand education system that we can take back to Japan to improve how we teach our young people and how we keep cultures alive."

Mr Azegami said one of the aspects that shocked him the most was the way New Zealand students interacted in class.

"Here the students are very enthusiastic and energetic. In Japan the students sit in rows and do not question or speak until the teacher asks them to speak.

"New Zealand education encourages conversation and debate."

Ship for World Youth, operated by Cabinet Office, Government of Japan, is an annual programme that involves 200 youths from around the world.

The programme sees delegates travel to Japan to stay on a ship and take part in a range of educational, sporting and cultural activities, both on and off the ship.

While on board, they study and discuss common issues from a global perspective and participate in other activities that involve multi-cultural and multi-national exchange opportunities.