It was an unforgettable experience in my life to participate 8th Uni Apro/ JPGU (Japanese Postal Group Union) Joint English Seminar - 2019, as the resource person from Sri Lanka. The seminar was took place from 26 - 27 January 2019 in Japan. Including me three resource persons were invited to the seminar by President of JPGU, Bro. Mitsugi Masuda.
Bro. Lin Yi – Hung from Chunghwa Post (Deputy Director of International Affairs Department, CPWU) and Bro. Muhammad Nizam Hadzir from POS Malaysia (Deputy General Secretary of UPCW) were the other resource persons.
The main intension of this annual program is to improve the English Language Communication Skills of Youth in Japan Post. Director of Uni Apro – JPGU, Sis.Kanko Osaki " Director of International Department – JPGU, Sis.Kazuko Yagi and Assistant Director - JPGU Organizing Bureau Bro.Toshihiro Mimura graced the Opening ceremony of the seminar.
After the inauguration ceremony, participants were divided into groups. Then, the time was allocated for individual presentations of three resource persons. At the initiation of my presentation, I stressed the friendship of our two countries from past up to now and all Japanese felt very happy. I’m proud to say that I observed their gleaming eyes at the beginning of the program due to my presentation.
Several instant activities were designed by Uni Apro/JPGU to improve the English Language skills of the participants. Our role was to identify their level of communication, making aware them regarding the given topics, motivating them, building up coordination among them, building up their creativity, rapport, personality, taking them to front for group presentations etc………. However, it is glad to say that we were able to perform the activities with the active and enthusiastic contribution of the all participants.
I’m happy to mention here, as a whole, we achieved a huge success at the end of the seminar. Director of International Department – JPGU, Sis.Kazuko Yagi concluded the seminar while thanking us for our active participation, leadership and our guidance for the success of the event. Finally, all the participants also expressed their immense gratitude to us.
At the end of the program, I gave my final comment with an open invitation for all friends to come to visit Sri Lanka. They became very happy and gave a big applause with cheers to accept my invitation. In addition, here I want to stress that we were fortunate enough to visit Japanese historical, cultural, archeological, religious places, enjoy the Japanese culture and Japanese way of life. Even now, I can recollect the nice memories of our evening gatherings with the Uni Apro/ JPGU staff.
As a whole, according to my point of view, Uni Apro/JPGU Joint Seminar is not only an event for improving the English Language of Japanese Youth but also it is an event for all to share knowledge, skills and attitudes.
Here, I want to grant my gratitude to all Uni Apro/JPGU Staff, UNI SLAC (Sri Lanka Affiliate Council) and all members of Sri Lanka Post & Telecommunication Services Union (SLPTSU) for giving me this valuable opportunity to share global experiences……….
Udeshika Liyanage
Assistant Editor (English) – SLPTSU
Committee Member – UNI SLAC Women