- 14 Mar 2002
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Tsukubamirai, a city in Ibaraki Prefecture northeast of Tokyo, plans to station foreign assistant language teachers (ALTs) in all its kindergartens and daycare centres starting. The initiative aims to expose children to English before they enrol at school to foster future global talent. The city noted that it's uncommon for a local government to introduce such a comprehensive program citywide.
Many students enter public elementary schools after having attended private kindergartens and daycare facilities, and some of them have been confused by the sudden English lessons. During a news conference on 21 February, Tsukubamirai Mayor Hiroshi Odagawa expressed the city's goal of ensuring that students can use English by age 15, the end of compulsory education.
mainichi.jp
The city had placed ALTs at three public kindergartens starting in fiscal 2023, but it is now set to expand the move to all kindergartens and day care centers, including private facilities. A total of 22 ALTs, including those of Philippine nationality, will be dispatched to 22 facilities. The ALTs will work seven hours a day, and be in charge of English classes among other activities. They will use English not just in lessons but also in day-to-day activities, helping pupils become familiar with the language.
Many students enter public elementary schools after having attended private kindergartens and daycare facilities, and some of them have been confused by the sudden English lessons. During a news conference on 21 February, Tsukubamirai Mayor Hiroshi Odagawa expressed the city's goal of ensuring that students can use English by age 15, the end of compulsory education.
East Japan city to introduce assistant English teachers at all kindergartens, day cares - The Mainichi
TSUKUBA, Ibaraki -- The Ibaraki Prefecture city of Tsukubamirai, northeast of Tokyo, is preparing to place foreign assistant language teachers (ALTs)