Project: "Cultural Bridges: Polish-Okinawan Education"

Project Goal:

The "Cultural Bridges: Polish-Okinawan Education" project aims to deepen knowledge and understanding of Okinawa's culture, history, and language and the uniqueness of the Ryukyu Archipelago through studying Japanese and the regional Uchināguchi languages. The project aims to promote intercultural exchange and build lasting ties between Poland and Okinawa.

Tasks and Activities

  1. Learning Japanese and Uchināguchi:

    Japanese Language Courses: Organizing regular Japanese language courses at various in-person and online proficiency levels.

    Uchinaguchi Language Workshops: Organizing workshops on the regional language of Okinawa, Uchināguchi, to acquaint participants with the unique cultural aspect of this region.
  2. History and Culture of Okinawa:

    Lectures and Seminars: Organizing a series of lectures and seminars on the history, culture, and traditions of Okinawa and the Ryukyu Archipelago, conducted by experts from Poland and Okinawa.

    Meetings with guests from Okinawa: Regular online meetings with residents of Okinawa, who will share their knowledge and experiences with the project participants.
  3. Intercultural Exchange:

    Exchange Programs: Organizing exchange programs that allow Polish participants to travel to Okinawa and host Okinawan residents in Poland, providing a firsthand cultural experience.

    Pen-pal Project:
    Launching an interactive international correspondence program between Polish and Okinawan students to promote daily language practice and foster international friendships, an essential aspect of our project.
  4. Cultural and Traditional Workshops:

    Martial Arts: Workshops and classes in Karate and Kobudo, introducing participants to the practical aspects of Okinawan martial arts traditions.

    Culture and Customs:
    Cooking, music, and dance workshops that will expose participants to traditional Okinawan food, Sanshin music, and Eisa dance.
  5. Online Resources:

    Educational Platform: Creating a dedicated educational platform with resources for learning Japanese and Uchināguchi, as well as educational materials on the history and culture of Okinawa.

    Webinars and Online Courses:
    Regular webinars and online courses conducted by experts and teachers from Okinawa.