Education

January 30, 2005

 

'Sanctuary Japan' Junior Ranger Program Gives Children the Joy of Nature

Keywords: Ecosystems / Biodiversity Education NGO / Citizen 

Sanctuary Japan is a conservation organization based in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, that aims to protect nature and survey wildlife at the local level. The organization established the Junior Ranger Program in 1992, targeting children from three to 18 years old. When children acquire a total of 76 credits of training items listed by the organization, they are certified as Junior Rangers.

Training items include local wildlife surveys and nature observations. Each time children participate in a nature conservation activity, they can earn a credit. One of the unique points of this program is its evaluation system based on self-assessment by children and parents, instead of examinations. Credits can be certified based on how they enjoyed the activities.

As of October 2004, about 140 children were earning credits and 27 were certified as Junior Rangers. The organization has received feedback from them such as "I'm looking forward to field activities" and "I want to work in the field of nature conservation or environmental education in the future." Junior Ranges have been playing an active role as leaders in organizing nature observations or other activities.

Takeji Mazuka, the representative of the organization, says, "I would like to create opportunities for children to meet people and have memorable experiences. I want them to be able to enjoy life and feel happy through encounters with nature and wildlife."



Posted: 2005/01/30 03:02:49 PM
Japanese version

 

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