The program for pioneering human resource development to add value to Amami's "environmental culture", a project to promote university recurrent education to support job placement and career change.
Center for Research and Development in Higher Education Associate Professor,OGURI Yuko
https://www.life.kagoshima-u.ac.jp/Background and objectives of activities
The listing of Amami Oshima and Tokunoshima as World Natural Heritage sites has attracted a great deal of attention, and the Amami Oshima Islands now have a unique opportunity to achieve independent development. In order to take advantage of this opportunity, it is important for the islanders themselves to reflect on the value and attractiveness of the Amami Oshima Islands, and to think, choose, and act on what to protect and what to change. On the other hand, the Amami Oshima Islands have a unique natural environment and history, and the wisdom and skills cultivated in that environment, as well as the local traditional spirit of respecting nature and people, still live on today. It is hoped that the value of this "environmental culture" of Amami Oshima will be reevaluated and a way of life created that will be passed on to the next generation. Therefore, we offer educational programs for entrepreneurs and professionals for residents and those who plan to move to Amami Oshima.
Summary of Activities
The program offers three courses: Entrepreneur Course (capacity for 20 students), Web Design Course (capacity for 30 students), and Employer and Administrator Course (capacity for a few participants). 5 months of online lectures and on-site practical training will be conducted systematically. The program aims to support entrepreneurs and professionals who can reevaluate the regional characteristics of their own islands and communities from the perspective of Amami's "environmental culture" and create new jobs that make the most of these values. The curriculum consists of common subjects (50 hours) and specialized subjects by course (12 to 30 hours). 2 days of practical training on 5 islands (Amami Oshima, Kikaijima, Tokunoshima, Okinoerabujima, and Yoronjima) as well as job hunting and career change support will be provided in cooperation with related organizations.
Expected Benefits
The project will encourage the islanders themselves to create sustainable and humane work by acquiring the mindset, knowledge and methods for the conservation and use of the natural and cultural resources of the island. In addition, the project will also support the islanders themselves in the creation of sustainable and humane work. This is also expected to help create the conditions for present and future generations to continue living in the villages and towns.