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Cambodian teachers visit Hiroshima elementary school to learn about peace education

by Eriko Shintani, Staff Writer

On October 31, six teachers from the Cambodia Teacher Training Center visited Hesaka Elementary School, located in Higashi Ward, Hiroshima, to observe a peace education class. Their visit was designed to help educate Cambodians who are involved in restoring and building peace in that nation, which has suffered from the legacy of civil war.

At Hesaka Elementary School, the Cambodian teachers observed a sixth-grade class where students were divided into groups and discussed the idea of a “peaceful community.” The students presented their ideas to the class with comments like “everyone is free to have their own opinions” and “people have inherited the stories about the atomic bombing and the thoughts and feelings of the A-bomb survivors.” The visitors from Cambodia listened intently and took notes on what the children said.

In addition to exchanging views with the Hesaka Elementary School teachers, the Cambodian teachers learned about “Hiroshima Peace Notes,” which is teaching material created by the Hiroshima City Board of Education that suits school children of varying ages. Cambodian teacher Min Chandara, 41, commented that the Japanese children had many opportunities to think for themselves and express their opinions in class, and said that he hopes to introduce a system of education like this in Cambodia.

(Originally published on November 1, 2015)

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