11月13日に神奈川大学附属中学校の2年生の探究学習の授業をSCCが担当しました。地域の多文化共生というテーマを選択した生徒23名が参加しました。最初に代表理事の三坂が「多文化共生私たちにできることは？」というタイトルで講話をしました。少子高齢化が進む日本では外国人が人手不足の産業を支える人材になること、技能実習制度の見直しと育成就労へと変わる中で外国人在住者が今後ますます増えるといった情勢を最初に解説しました。
続いて、２つの練習問題を提示し、班に分かれてグループディスカッションをしました。代表理事の三坂が教師として小学校の教育現場で目にした外国につながる児童のエピソードやSCCを運営する中で投げかけられた発言を提示し、生徒たちは意見を付箋に書き出しました。鋭く物事の本質を見抜いた発言も多く、感銘を受けました。最後にインドとナイジェリア出身のメンバーへのインタビューの時間を設けたところ、たくさんの質問が飛び交いました。時間の関係で全ての生徒の質問に答えられませんでしたが、終わってからもウワやビディシャの周りには英語で質問をする生徒の姿が見られ、多文化共生の一歩を垣間見た気がしました。
On November 13th, SCC facilitated an inquiry-based learning session for second-year students at Kanagawa University Junior High School. A total of 23 students participated, selecting the theme of regional intercultural society.
The session started with a presentation by Misaka, the representative director of SCC, titled “What Can We Do to Promote an Intercultural Society?” She explained that Japan is facing a declining birthrate and an aging population. As a result, foreign residents will be essential for filling labor shortages in various industries. As Japan reviews the technical intern training program and shifts to developmental employment system, the number of foreign residents will likely increase.
Following the lecture, two practical questions were presented, and the students were organized into groups for discussion.Misaka shared stories from her time in elementary school teacher, where she met children from different countries as well as comments made during the operation of SCC, and students wrote their opinions on sticky notes.SCC members were impressed by the students’ insightful comments, which showed they understood the key points. We also had time for interviews with members from India and Nigeria.
Due to time constraints, we were unable to answer all of the students’ questions. However, even after the session wrapped up, we noticed students around Uwa and Bidisha continuing to ask questions in English. This gave us the impression that we were catching a glimpse of progress toward an intercultural society.
