FY2025 First Training Session for Coordinators of School and Community Collaboration
On Tuesday, June 24, 2025, Gifu University hosted the 'FY 2025 First Training Session for Coordinators of School and Community Collaboration' online. The session is part of the programs undertaken by the Gifu Center for collaborative activities between communities and schools (GIFU CCCS).
The GIFU CCCS was jointly established by the Gifu Prefectural Government and Gifu University to support and promote collaboration between local schools and the community. Its mission is to foster the healthy growth of children and contribute to the revitalization of the community. The Center focuses on three specific objectives:
1. Develop and secure human resources: Through collaboration with municipalities and social education groups, the Center provides training opportunities for coordinators of school and community collaboration and educates and secures student volunteers.
2. Conduct survey and research: The Center collaborates with municipalities and social education groups to carry out survey and research programs, studying actual cases of collaboration between local schools and the community. It pioneers exemplary cases found in education at home and makes presentations.
3. Promotion: The Center continues to support municipal governments by hosting open lectures, workshops, and sending the Center officials to these events.
The first training session is conducted as part of efforts related to 'Develop and secure human resources' in collaboration with municipalities and social education organizations, with the aim of fostering coordinators of school and community collaboration and related personnel. This year, in addition to the coordinators, individuals who have completed Gifu Prefecture's child-rearing support training were also included as participants. The training consists of four sessions covering foundational knowledge and practical approaches to school and community collaboration activities, with 96 participants registered this year.
The first session began with an overview of the Center and the objectives of the training, presented by Director MASUKAWA Koichi. This was followed by a keynote lecture titled "Learning the Basics of Community Building Centered on Schools and Creating Schools in Partnership with Communities" by Dr. HIROSE Takahito (Representative Director of Tochigi Civic Collaboration Research Association / Professor Emeritus at Utsunomiya University and Hokkaido University of Education). In his lecture, Dr. Hirose explained concepts such as "community building centered on schools," "school and community collaboration," and "community development," while illustrating the role of coordinators through real-life examples.
Participants then engaged in group discussions, exchanging views on the current status and challenges in their respective regions. They shared local case studies and personal perspectives based on their roles.
During the final Q&A session, lively exchanges took place not only between the lecturer and participants but also among the participants themselves. In response to a question about the potential burden on teachers when schools are placed at the center of activities, Dr. Hirose advised: "The burden arises from the assumption that teachers must take the lead. Activities progress when coordinators themselves take initiative to connect the community and schools. Rather than expecting schools to act, it is important to observe schools firsthand and consider what can be done together with the community."
The session also provided opportunities to share practical insights on topics such as "how to connect with families of foreign nationality," "how to effectively engage with school principals," and "communication methods among coordinators and relevant personnels."
Dr. Hirose concluded by encouraging participants: "Each region should proceed in a way that suits its own circumstances. Overextending leads to burnout. Focus on what can be done in your community - what only your community can do. What you are doing now in your region is already valuable."
The next training session is scheduled for Tuesday, August 26. We look forward to seeing participants apply what they have learned and continue to thrive in their respective communities.
