The Japan Foundation’s “StepOutNet” Programme, which creates links between Japanese-speaking volunteers and UK primary and secondary schools, has been renamed the Japanese Taster for Schools (JTS) programme.

The name change, which more accurately reflects the nature of the programme, was unveiled at the September 16^th Training Day for Volunteers, which was attended by 29 people.

After the announcement, the Training Day continued as usual with reports from volunteers who had visited schools, and demonstrations of activities for teaching Japanese language and culture by Japan Foundation’s Japanese Language Advisor, Hiroko Tanaka. 

The Training Day proved to be a success once again.  Mrs. Kazuyo Ishii, a volunteer who has been involved with the programme for over a year, commented:

「今までのところ毎回参加させて頂いておりますが、大変楽しく皆さんのお話を伺っております。」

(“Even though I have attended every Training Day, I still really enjoy hearing everyone’s presentations.”)

We would like to thank all volunteers for coming to the Training Day, and hope they will have the chance to hold a Japanese Taster Session at a school soon!

If you speak native level or fluent Japanese and are interested in becoming a JTS volunteer, please click here for more information.