Indian School Students to Visit Japan for Sakura Science Programme 2024
The Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL) under the Ministry of Education is sending 20 school students and 2 supervisors to Japan to take part in the Sakura Science Programme 2024. The event will take place from October 20 to 26, 2024, with students from five other countries also participating. The students, full of excitement, were officially flagged off by Shri Charanjt Taneja, Deputy Secretary of DoSEL, along with Dr. Amarendra Prasad Behera, Joint Director at CIET-NCERT, and Ms. Kirti Panwar, Deputy Commissioner of Navodaya Vidyalaya. The ceremony, held at CIET-NCERT, was attended by Mr. Kemmochi Yukio, Manager at the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), and officials from DoSEL.
The 20 students selected for this trip include 10 boys and 10 girls from Navodaya Vidyalayas across the country. All of these students are alumni of the PRERANA program, which aims to provide opportunities for students from underrepresented communities.
The Sakura Science Programme
The Sakura Science Programme is an initiative by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). Since its launch in 2014, the program has been promoting intellectual development and scientific exploration among young learners. Students from countries like India, added to the program in 2015, are invited for short-term visits to Japan. During the visit, students experience Japan’s advanced technology and learn about its culture.
The main goal of the Sakura Science Programme is to inspire young students to explore science and technology while fostering cross-cultural exchanges. By introducing them to Japan’s cutting-edge innovations, the program hopes to broaden their perspectives and spark interest in scientific research.
The National Education Policy and Experiential Learning
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 highlights the importance of holistic and integrated learning. It emphasizes that learning should be enjoyable and that schools should adopt experiential learning across subjects. Educational trips like the one to Japan play a significant role in making learning more interactive and hands-on. The NEP also encourages students to explore the relationships between different subjects, further enriching their learning experience.
Japan, being a developed nation with a rich blend of cultural heritage and technological advancements, offers a perfect destination for educational exposure. Trips like the Sakura Science Programme give students the chance to learn from innovative practices and deepen their understanding of science in a global context.
India’s Participation in the Sakura Programme
India’s participation in the Sakura Science Programme began in April 2016, and since then, many students have had the opportunity to visit Japan. So far, 553 students and 85 supervisors from India have taken part in this enriching experience. The most recent batch of students visited Japan in June 2024.
The Sakura Programme 2024 is yet another opportunity for Indian students to gain exposure to Japan’s technology, culture, and educational practices. Through this program, students not only expand their knowledge but also build friendships with peers from other countries. These experiences help them develop a broader worldview and encourage them to think about innovative solutions for the future.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
Follow Us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn