Terakoya - Free Japanese language class for children in Da Nang’s Hoi An
DNO - After a decade of operation, the free Terakoya Japanese language class for children in Hoi An, Da Nang, has become not only a place to nurture language skills among the youth but also a shining symbol of people-to-people diplomacy and cultural exchange between Vietnam and Japan in Hoi An.
The Hoi An Center for the Conservation of World Cultural Heritage held a ceremony on Saturday to review the 10-year operation of the Terakoya Japanese language class for children in Hoi An.
The event is part of the 22nd edition of the Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange Festival.
The initiative began in 2015 when the Tokyo Sirubakai Art Troupe from Japan took part in the 13th edition of the Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange Program.
With his special affection for Hoi An, Mr. Hirohata Takeshi, Head of the Tokyo Sirubakai Art Troupe, proposed opening a free Japanese language class for local children with the hope of planting the seeds of language learning and strengthening friendship between the two nations.
As a result, the class officially opened on October 24, 2016.
Over 10 years of operation, with the support of Vietnamese and Japanese teachers, including Mr. Abe Toru and Mr. Suzuki, the class has provided free training for over 300 students from primary school to university level.
Around 80% of the trainees have completed the elementary-level program and are able to communicate at a basic level in Japanese.
Beyond language instruction, the Terakoya class has served as a meaningful space for cultural exchange.
Through such activities as posture training, calligraphy, origami, folk singing and dancing, and learning about the countries and people of both nations, students have had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture as well as foster mutual understanding and stronger connections between the two peoples.
According to Mrs. Mochizuki Kaoru, Deputy Consul General of Japan in Da Nang, the Terakoya class has played a crucial role as the only Japanese language class in Hoi An and become a bridge to promote Japanese culture in the city.
She emphasized that Hoi An provides a strong foundation for friendship and exchange between Vietnam and Japan. In the future, the Consulate General of Japan will continue to work closely with the class to promote Japanese language teaching and the spread of Japanese culture in Hoi An.
Mrs. Mochizuki informed that the Consulate General of Japan in Da Nang is continuing discussions with the Da Nang Department of Education and Training to implement Japanese language teaching in junior and senior high schools in Hoi An.
In the immediate future, exchange activities will be promoted with the Le Thanh Tong Senior High School for the Gifted and the Tran Quy Cap Senior High School.