The Maharashtra School Education Department has revealed plans to extend Marathi language education to Japan, building on its successful introduction in North America. As part of this initiative, Marathi textbooks published by Balbharati will be distributed to students in grades one to five. Furthermore, a library will be set up to promote a passion for reading Marathi literature among young learners.
On January 31st, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed involving the School Education Department, the Edogawa India Cultural Center, and the Tokyo Marathi Mandal Japan. This agreement outlines specific responsibilities for the School Education Department and facilitates its implementation. Balbharati will provide textbooks and is authorized to make adjustments of up to 20 percent to cater to local requirements.
The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) will prepare question papers and train teachers from the Edogawa India Cultural Center and the Tokyo Marathi Mandal Japan. The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education will issue certificates to fifth-grade students. Notably, the implementation of this agreement will not receive financial assistance from the government.
A coordination committee has been established to foster Marathi language adoption among students attending schools managed by the Edogawa India Cultural Center and the Tokyo Marathi Mandal Japan. This committee will oversee various tasks such as developing curricula, supplying textbooks, administering exams, and issuing certificates.
This committee, chaired by the director of the State Council of Educational Research and Training, comprises nine members, including representatives from the Edogawa India Cultural Center and the Tokyo Marathi Mandal Japan. It will convene monthly to review progress and is empowered, with government approval, to adjust activities as necessary.
