Mayor of Ama City, Aichi Prefecture, Observes Social Education Specialist Training Course Class at Gifu University
On Saturday, June 6, 2026, Mayor YASHIMA Kenji of Ama City in Aichi Prefecture, visited Gifu University and observed the class "Learner Characteristics and Support Methods" in the Social Education Specialist Training Course of the University-wide General Education Program ("zenkyo"). This course aims to develop the ability to provide support tailored to the individual characteristics of learners in the fields of social education and lifelong learning. Students learn fundamental learning theories and facilitation techniques, while also deepening their practical understanding through the creation of educational programs for elementary and junior high school students.
On the day of the visit, Lecturer SAKAI Kenji, who is in charge of the course, explained its objectives and overview. Mayor Yashima then observed the students' group work and attended presentations of the programs planned by the students. After the presentations, he shared his impressions and asked questions, providing students with an opportunity to deepen their learning through dialogue.
Following this, an exchange of opinions was held among Mayor Yashima, Lecturer Sakai, Professor MASUKAWA Koichi and Assistant Professor GOTO Seiichi of the Promotion of Regional Collaboration. Discussions covered a wide range of topics centered on social education specialists and community-school collaboration activities, including the relationship between civic activities and social education/lifelong learning, the activities of the Gifu Center for Collaborative Activities between Communities and Schools (GIFU CCCS), the roles and development of personnel who connect schools and communities, collaboration between universities and local communities, and students' volunteer community activities. It was a meaningful opportunity in which new perspectives and insights beyond prefectural boundaries were shared.
Through this visit, Mayor Yashima expressed his views on the significance and potential of collaboration with Gifu University, as well as his expectations for the future. He also gave high praise to the university's educational activities, including the Social Education Specialist Training Course.
The student-designed programs presented to Mayor Yashima are scheduled to be held at Gifu University on Saturday, July 18.
Gifu University will continue to promote and enhance social education, lifelong learning, and community-school collaboration through its Social Education Specialist Training Course and the activities of GIFU CCCS.
