As communities face increasing issues like weakened social connections and isolated caregiving, a new type of professional known as the “Social Education Specialist” is emerging to tackle these challenges. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) has launched a dedicated website to promote this “Social Education Specialist” system, sharing examples of professionals making a difference in diverse fields.
What is a Social Education Specialist?
“Social Education Specialists” are experts dedicated to solving community issues, working in diverse settings such as local governments, corporations, and non-profits. This title is awarded to individuals who complete training courses or programs at universities accredited by the Minister of Education, aimed at fostering learning and collaboration to improve society. Recently, challenges such as social disconnection, aging populations, increasing vacant stores, and divides based on nationality or disability have surfaced, highlighting the rising need for trained professionals within communities.
Social Education Specialists create learning environments to foster a sense of belonging among community members, bridging divides through collaboration and fostering inclusive communities. Their expertise is essential across various fields, including disaster prevention, welfare, tourism, and community development.
The Work of Social Worker Hiromi Sanpei
A former regional revitalization team member and Social Education Specialist, Hiromi Sanpei’s work demonstrates the importance of integrating community development and education. After relocating from Tokyo to Unnan City in Shimane Prefecture, Sanpei began her role in the regional revitalization team, engaging in agriculture, homestay programs, and café operations while also contributing to educational support within and outside the community. Sanpei believes that “support through accompaniment,” or empowering communities by providing supportive and additive assistance, is key to fostering local autonomy. She established “Tsuchinoto-sha” as a hub for education and community interaction, offering locals and prospective residents opportunities to rediscover the area’s unique charm. After completing Social Education Specialist training, she has also embraced the importance of integrating education into regional revitalization efforts and currently provides support at a consultation desk for regional revitalization teams, where she advocates for the community-building power of education.
Read more about Hiromi Sanpei’s work here.
Challenges of the Regional Revitalization Team in Urahoro Town
Regional revitalization team members Eifu Koga and Yuko Ueno are making strides in Urahoro Town, Hokkaido, where they focus on “education” and “community building.” As part of the “Urahoro Style” public-private partnership project, they support local middle and high school students’ exploratory learning through the “High School Students’ Connection Development Project.” With no local high school in Urahoro Town, students commute to outside towns for education, but those who wish to maintain ties to their hometown have formed an independent activity group, “Urahoro Club,” where they contribute to the community. Koga and Ueno, using their Social Education Specialist expertise, expand educational resources while respecting students’ independence, acting as “companions” rather than imposing over-support. This initiative contributes to creating a community where local youth feel optimistic about their futures.
Read more about Eifu Koga and Yuko Ueno’s work here.
Social Education Specialist Training Programs Available Nationwide
With support from MEXT, Social Education Specialist training programs are now offered nationwide. These programs focus on essential skills for addressing regional issues, such as coordination, facilitation, and presentation. In 2024, six institutions are offering courses with a total enrollment capacity of 392 students, and 108 universities nationwide offer programs meeting the qualifications required for the Social Education Specialist title.
Social Education Specialists are expected to unlock new possibilities in local communities, becoming crucial contributors to solving diverse regional issues. MEXT will continue promoting this system to ensure the presence and impact of Social Education Specialists in communities across Japan.