Report from Ms. Sharon Sem, former Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship student (Teacher Training Course)
2025/5/12
A report from Ms. Sharon Sem, former Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship student (Teacher Training Course) as follows.
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皆さん、こんにちは。
(Minasan, konnichiwa – Hello everyone.)
First and foremost, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Embassy of Japan in Vanuatu, and the Government of Japan through the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), for granting me the opportunity to undertake this life-changing experience.
I also sincerely thank the Vanuatu Government through the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) for their continuous support, and my deepest appreciation goes to my family, friends, and fellow teachers for their unwavering encouragement throughout my study journey.
My name is Sharon Sem, and I am a teacher at Lakatoro School, located in Malekula, Vanuatu.
In 2023, I was privileged to participate in a Teacher Training Program in Japan, held at Tokyo Gakugei University in Koganei City, Tokyo. This program marked a remarkable chapter in my life, both personally and professionally.
The training began with learning the Japanese language, which was a truly eye-opening journey. Learning to read, write, and speak a completely new language was challenging but incredibly exciting.
I felt so motivated when I started to communicate more fluently, and I hope to continue learning Japanese if I ever have another opportunity. I also dream of teaching some basic Japanese to my students, so they too can be inspired by the richness of another culture.
During the course, I studied various subjects such as Multicultural Education, Arts Education, Leadership and Management, and most importantly, Inclusive Education.
For my research study, I conducted a comparative study focusing on inclusive teaching practices in Japan and Vanuatu.
Through this research, I came to deeply appreciate Vanuatu’s traditional and custom-based teaching methods, recognizing them as a strong foundation for a child’s holistic growth and development.
At the same time, I was moved by how Japanese culture instills humility, respect, and a strong determination in children—traits that clearly reflect in their behavior and academic perseverance.
One of the most rewarding parts of the program was meeting educators from other countries. I had the opportunity to learn from them and exchange valuable insights, building an international network of teachers and professionals that I hope to collaborate with in the future.
Living in Japan was not just about academics—it was a complete cultural experience. I observed the lifestyle and daily routines of the Japanese people and was inspired by their dedication to work, their discipline during busy hours, and their positive attitude toward health and well-being.
Their deep respect for culture, tradition, environment and community was truly admirable and made a lasting impression on me.
This experience has helped me grow in many ways. It rekindled my love and passion for teaching, and taught me never to look down on myself, no matter the challenges I may face. I have learned that every situation, no matter how difficult, can be a steppingstone to something greater if you stay strong and believe in your purpose.
Now that I have returned, I am back at Lakatoro School working as a support teacher, helping students with diverse needs. I am using everything I have learned to improve their learning experiences and to support them in reaching their full potential.
To all my fellow teachers in Vanuatu and beyond despite the challenges we may face in our profession: I encourage you to further your studies. Take every small opportunity that comes your way to learn, grow, and improve. Education is not only a path to knowledge — it is a journey of self-discovery and transformation.
Never stop believing in your power to make a difference. (end)
(Minasan, konnichiwa – Hello everyone.)
First and foremost, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Embassy of Japan in Vanuatu, and the Government of Japan through the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), for granting me the opportunity to undertake this life-changing experience.
I also sincerely thank the Vanuatu Government through the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) for their continuous support, and my deepest appreciation goes to my family, friends, and fellow teachers for their unwavering encouragement throughout my study journey.
My name is Sharon Sem, and I am a teacher at Lakatoro School, located in Malekula, Vanuatu.
In 2023, I was privileged to participate in a Teacher Training Program in Japan, held at Tokyo Gakugei University in Koganei City, Tokyo. This program marked a remarkable chapter in my life, both personally and professionally.
The training began with learning the Japanese language, which was a truly eye-opening journey. Learning to read, write, and speak a completely new language was challenging but incredibly exciting.
I felt so motivated when I started to communicate more fluently, and I hope to continue learning Japanese if I ever have another opportunity. I also dream of teaching some basic Japanese to my students, so they too can be inspired by the richness of another culture.
During the course, I studied various subjects such as Multicultural Education, Arts Education, Leadership and Management, and most importantly, Inclusive Education.
For my research study, I conducted a comparative study focusing on inclusive teaching practices in Japan and Vanuatu.
Through this research, I came to deeply appreciate Vanuatu’s traditional and custom-based teaching methods, recognizing them as a strong foundation for a child’s holistic growth and development.
At the same time, I was moved by how Japanese culture instills humility, respect, and a strong determination in children—traits that clearly reflect in their behavior and academic perseverance.
One of the most rewarding parts of the program was meeting educators from other countries. I had the opportunity to learn from them and exchange valuable insights, building an international network of teachers and professionals that I hope to collaborate with in the future.
Living in Japan was not just about academics—it was a complete cultural experience. I observed the lifestyle and daily routines of the Japanese people and was inspired by their dedication to work, their discipline during busy hours, and their positive attitude toward health and well-being.
Their deep respect for culture, tradition, environment and community was truly admirable and made a lasting impression on me.
This experience has helped me grow in many ways. It rekindled my love and passion for teaching, and taught me never to look down on myself, no matter the challenges I may face. I have learned that every situation, no matter how difficult, can be a steppingstone to something greater if you stay strong and believe in your purpose.
Now that I have returned, I am back at Lakatoro School working as a support teacher, helping students with diverse needs. I am using everything I have learned to improve their learning experiences and to support them in reaching their full potential.
To all my fellow teachers in Vanuatu and beyond despite the challenges we may face in our profession: I encourage you to further your studies. Take every small opportunity that comes your way to learn, grow, and improve. Education is not only a path to knowledge — it is a journey of self-discovery and transformation.
Never stop believing in your power to make a difference. (end)