Event Report: Hachioji Higashi High Schools Mentorship Workshop
On March 26th, 2024, the Centre for the Study of Global Japan (CSGJ) and University of Toronto Schools (UTS) hosted students from Hachioji Higashi School from Tokyo, Japan, for an exchange and mentorship workshop.
The event began with refreshments and time to get to know one another. Student Affiliate mentors from CSGJ mingled with the Hachioji Higashi students and UTS student volunteers. The event formally commenced with a series of introductions. Garth Chalmers, vice-principal of University of Toronto Schools, welcomed the Hachioji Higashi students and introduced the history of how UTS came to be. Following was Mr. Masahiro Matsui, the Consul General of Japan, who expressed his gratitude and excitement for the event. Finally, Sophie Bourret-Klein, program coordinator of CSGJ, greeted the students and provided some insight into the work of the Centre and the history of the mentorship event.
Following the introductions was a group activity where mentors from CSGJ, volunteer students from UTS, and Higashi Hachioji students answered a series of prompts to get to know one another better. Students learned about the differences between high school and university life, what an average school day is like in Japan and Canada, favorite areas of Toronto, and future goals. Despite the many differences between schools in Canada and Japan, students still bonded over similarities such as waking up late for school, favorite extracurricular activities, and excitement for the future.
After the group activity, UTS volunteers took CSGJ mentors and Hachioji Higashi students on a tour around the UTS building. Students toured the library, gym, auditorium, art rooms, and robotics room. Everyone then reconvened in the multipurpose room to exchange contact information to maintain connections with their mentors and say their goodbyes. Students from UTS and CSGJ gave Hachioji Higashi students some souvenirs to remember their experience in Toronto. Hachioji Higashi students distributed an English newspaper that they made in Japan featuring some fascinating stories on Japanese culture along with some Japanese snacks.
Students learned from each other and from the mentors through this cross-cultural experience, forging long-lasting connections. We would like to thank Hachioji Higashi High School for their participation in the mentorship program and University of Toronto Schools for hosting the event.
