Future of Education in Toshima: A Gathering to Inspire Change and Growth

On September 5, 2023, the International Edutainment Association, in partnership with the Toshima Village Board of Education, hosted the "Future of Education in Toshima" conference. This initiative aims to provide digital transformation support and exploratory programs to educational committees and schools across Japan. The association, based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, confirmed a two-year continuation of its support for ICT utilization and regional appeal enhancement, effective this fiscal year.

Event Details

The event was held at the Toshima Village Elementary and Middle School from 1 PM to 4:30 PM, following a public lesson in the morning. The focus of the conference was "Thinking Together for Our Happiness." The agenda included introductions to the village, philosophical dialogues on well-being, and discussions regarding the relationship between happiness and education. The event fostered a space for educators and community members to share insights about the future of education.

Here’s a brief rundown of the schedule:

- 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM: Opening & Ice Breaker
- 1:30 PM - 1:40 PM: Introduction to Toshima Village
- 1:40 PM - 2:00 PM: Break
- 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM: Philosophical Dialogue (What is Well-being?)
- 2:45 PM - 3:00 PM: Group Sharing
- 3:00 PM - 3:10 PM: Break
- 3:10 PM - 4:00 PM: Philosophical Dialogue (The Relation of Happiness and Education)
- 4:00 PM - 4:15 PM: Group Sharing
- 4:15 PM - 4:30 PM: Closing

You can find more details about the event at this link.

Last year's event attracted significant attention and can be reviewed here.

Commitment to ICT and Community Support

The International Edutainment Association focuses on enhancing ICT use in education and fostering teaching abilities through guidance and training sessions. They have also committed to supporting the appeal of Toshima Village through educational events and online content management.

Shunsuke Mori, the representative director, expressed enthusiasm about continuing their support into the second year of their partnership. Leveraging the experiences gained last year, he aims to provide even more effective assistance to the community. Mori emphasized the exciting members participating in this year's conference, showcasing the quality of educators visiting the island.

A Glimpse into Toshima Village

Toshima Village, located about 140 kilometers south of Tokyo, is an idyllic island surrounded by steep cliffs, covering an area of 4.04 square kilometers. It is one of Japan's smallest municipalities with a population of roughly 300. The tight-knit community thrives amid its rich natural environment,
creating a dense yet fulfilling daily life, which contrasts sharply with urban experiences.

The island is known for its abundant camellia trees, with about 200,000 trees covering approximately 80% of its land. The annual harvest of camellia seeds takes place in autumn and winter, leading to significant production of camellia oil—a hallmark of the island's economy. In 2019, Toshima's camellia oil received the prestigious COSMOS ORGANIC certification, marking a first in Japan.

Education on the Island

In April 2024, Toshima Village will inaugurate the Toshima Elementary and Middle School—the first compulsory education school in the Izu and Ogasawara Islands. This school will offer a unified curriculum over nine years, with a small class size averaging between 2 to 6 students. The close-knit environment allows for tailored educational support between teachers and students. The school emphasizes self-reliance as part of its educational mission, preparing students who must leave the island after age 15 to thrive in broader society.

The community views its small size as a strength, aiming to collaboratively nurture children through a strong partnership among the village, families, and the school.

Organization Overview

The International Edutainment Association is dedicated to enriching education, embodying its core philosophy: "Empowering the Skills to Live Now and in the Future." Established in June 2018, the organization has developed various teaching materials and programs aimed at equipping students for today's global society. They provide educational resources like the SDG-related English textbook "Thinking Critically about SDGs" and various tools for educational advancements. Their website offers more detailed insights into their initiatives: here.

With a commitment to transformative education and community support, the International Edutainment Association continues to foster growth, learning, and collaboration in the spirit of progress and well-being for all involved.