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Okinawa-Pacific Education Network Initiative
6,300,000 yen [Grant Project]
University of the Ryukyus (Japan)
Okinawa and Pacific islands have long maintained close ties, and have acknowledged the necessity of collaboration to tackle common problems in both areas. One such problem is higher education in the islands, and at the 9th International Conference-Islands of the World, co-sponsored by the University of the Ryukyus and the SPF, the presidents of all Pacific island colleges in attendance reconfirmed the necessity of collaboration and exchange of people among Pacific island colleges. Under such circumstances, the project aims to promote the exchange of people and collaboration between the University of the Ryukyus and Micronesian colleges such as Palau Community College, College of the Marshall Islands, College of Micronesia-FSM, Guam Community College, University of Guam, and Northern Marianas College. Selected students and faculty will participate in the "Coconut College", and conduct collaborative research. The results of the project will be disseminated in local newspapers and on the internet.
The following activities are planned this year.
- Exchange Programs
(1) Exchanges between Students (April-September 2007)
In an essay contest under the theme of "Culture and the Nature of the Island", three Micronesian students and five Okinawan as well as Amami students will be screened out of writers recognized for their outstanding performance. The chosen Micronesian students will be invited to Okinawa together with chaperon faculty members, while Okinawan and Amami students will be sent to Guam, for outdoor activities and exchanges with local students or citizens, respectively. The University of the Ryukyus will work together with local government and newspapers to hold Student Forum: Culture and the Nature in Island Region, with a friendship party ensuing.
(2) Exchanges with Citizens (September 2007, 3 days, Yonaguni Island)
The University of the Ryukyus will hold for citizens a community college program named Coconuts College of the Pacific, under the theme of "The Culture, Nature and Enlivenment of Island Region". The program will take place in the Yonaguni Island, and opportunities will be provided for interacting with the students selected in the essay contest.
- Promotion of Inter-College Cooperation (April 2007-February 2008)
An inter-college agreement will be negotiated between the colleges of Micronesian nations and the University of the Ryukyus, and an implementation plan will be developed accordingly. With Northern Marianas College, a joint study on the environment, regional vitalization as well as agriculture will be discussed, and a possibility of joint remote learning program on tourism will be explored with Palau.
(Second year of a 3-year project)
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