JET Programme to be expanded to include sports education

Plans are advanced to expand the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme to include sports education.

The JET Programme offers highly qualified university graduates the opportunity to work as assistant language teachers or coordinators for international relations in select local government offices in Japan.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Alando Terrelonge, said people-to-people connections have been the hallmark of the relationship that Jamaica shares with Japan, and the JET Programme is one of the key avenues facilitating this bond.

“For more than two decades, Jamaicans have been afforded the opportunity to immerse themselves in Japanese culture, gaining insights into the customs and traditions which shape the Japanese perspective and way of life, while showcasing Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage and enhancing their own professional and personal development,” he said.

Terrelonge was addressing Friday’s Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme Alumni Association (JETAA) Jamaica Conference, held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston under the theme ‘Building Bridges, Strengthening Ties – Celebrating 60 Years of Jamaica-Japan Cooperation’.

The state minister noted that the 22nd anniversary of the establishment of JETAA Jamaica coincides with other key milestones, such as the 60th anniversary of the formalisation of diplomatic ties between Japan and Jamaica, the 30th anniversary of the Japan-CARICOM relationship, and the second Japan-CARICOM Friendship Year.

Since JETAA Jamaica’s establishment in 2002, more than 460 Jamaicans have participated in the JET Programme.

In July, a cohort of 14 Jamaicans left for the East Asian country, increasing the number of Jamaicans active in the programme to 47.

“I have no doubt that they will continue the fine tradition of excellence for which our participants are renowned, as they, too, look to contribute to the invaluable work undertaken by the JETAA of Jamaica,” Terrelonge said.

In his remarks, Ambassador of Japan to Jamaica, Yasuhiro Atsumi, said the expanded JET Programme will be called SEA.

“SEA means sports exchange adviser. They will go to Japan and teach sports training, such as track and field. We would like to start this SEA Programme from Jamaica next year,” Ambassador Atsumi shared.

He underscored that the JET Programme is an excellent opportunity for Jamaicans to experience another culture and to strengthen the ties between the two countries.

“Over the years, it has grown to become one of the cornerstones of the Japan-Jamaica relationship,” Ambassador Atsumi said.

In response, Terrelonge noted that as a former state minister in the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, it was certainly welcoming to hear the ambassador speak so highly of SEA.

“It is a welcome announcement and I look forward to our superstars heading down to Japan to contribute and to learn,” Terrelonge said.