The satellite school initiative, which was launched in June 2022 in Kaiyo Town, Tokushima Prefecture, in collaboration with LCA International Elementary School and Mirai School, has the potential to be called a "new form of education" for diverse lifestyles. This report will cover the learning process that combines online classes with extracurricular activities unique to the area, leading to the creation of a second hometown.
*The mask was removed only for the photo shoot.
Even though it is a rainy season, the sun is out, shining a smile on the children's faces. On this day, 13 families landed at Tokushima Awaodori Airport to experience a new form of education called a satellite school.
Enjoy a unique learning experience in a rural area while taking classes remotely from your home school
This initiative, which JAL is cooperating with, is attracting attention amid a demand for diversity in education. It applies the idea of dual schooling, which allows students to attend any school in the country they like by utilizing the out-of-area school attendance system without transferring their residency. Satellite schools allow students to take classes online while also participating in experiential activities unique to rural areas and interacting with local people. It is a framework that allows students to receive a solid education even if they are not living in their area.
The "Satellite School 2022 Season 1" can be considered a stepping stone to that goal. It starts with a special program provided by JAL. You can observe and experience airport work in the backyard of Tokushima Awaodori Airport.
The first program was a special class at an airport in cooperation with JAL.
First, the group visited the baggage sorting area to see how passengers' checked baggage was loaded into containers. An explanation was given about the size and history of the Boeing 767 that the group was flying.
"Why do planes fly?" "Who are the famous pilots?" "Who invented the plane?", the questions that only children could ask, creating a friendly atmosphere.
After observing the loading and departing process of the cargo, we held up a banner on the apron and saw off JAL Flight 456 as it headed for Haneda Airport. The huge plane slowly took off on the wide runway, with asphalt and blue sky stretching as far as the eye could see.
"Amazing!" The parents joined in and waved goodbye with loud cheers. The passengers from the airplane window and the pilot in the cockpit waved back. Soon, the plane took off into the sky with a roar.
Next up was the marshalling experience, which is the job of guiding planes in the parking area.
The children hold a spoon-shaped tool called a paddle in each hand. Raising both hands means "go straight", spreading both hands and raising the right hand means "turn left", and crossing both hands above their heads means "stop". The children are now able to guide the plane.
Parents and children learn together at an oyster farming facility
Next, we visited the oyster seedling production facility of Ribble Co., Ltd. in Anan City. In the facility facing the cove, oyster larvae are raised in separate cages until they reach a size that can be released into the ocean.
The children were excited to see live oysters for the first time. The adults were also amazed to learn that oysters can absorb up to 200 liters of water in their lifetime, and that they grow with the blessings of the mountains.
Takuya Takabatake, who runs an aquaculture business here in southern Tokushima Prefecture, is the representative director of Mirai no Gakko and one of the initiators of the satellite school.
Takahata: "If you look at the birth rate, many children are born in regional areas, and the human resources that support Japan are also found in regional areas. Also, if we are to support Japan's primary industries, it would be bad if regional areas were lacking vitality. That's why we decided to approach education and industry."
The children seem to be very interested in the juicy oysters. The fully grown oysters are served on the last day of the satellite school. Their plump, rounded, deep cup shape sets them apart from the oysters we are used to seeing.
These oysters are grown using a single seed method that is rare in Japan, and each oyster is grown individually, which allows the shells to form beautifully. When you open a freshly landed oyster with a knife and take a bite, seasoned with natural saltiness, a refreshing juiciness spreads in your mouth. Deep inside, you can feel the concentrated umami bursting out.
The contrast between the simplest and most complex flavors is a delight. You will encounter people you would never normally meet and have rare experiences.
Takahata: "I'm just grateful that so many people participated. I feel like it's become an educational opportunity for the whole family. It's very refreshing for children to know that there are things that their parents don't know. It leads to them realizing that 'we can learn together' and 'learning can be so interesting.'"
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The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
