Soka Gakkai Educators Discuss Applying Humanistic Education in the Classroom

Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the founding of Soka Education, the Soka Gakkai Education Department hosted its 33rd "All Japan Rally on Practical Application of Humanistic Education" at Tohoku University's Centennial Hall in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, on October 24. Over 1,200 educators and guests attended the event, which was cosponsored by the Makiguchi Foundation for Education.

In a message to participants, Soka Schools founder SGI President Daisaku Ikeda shared his admiration for educators who apply "value-creating education," enumerated by the first president of Soka Gakkai, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi. Mr. Ikeda emphasized that helping young people to grow and develop is the greatest mission in life and shared his vision that educators would, through a united effort, impart hope to society where people suffer from a myriad of problems. 

Several educators shared their classroom experiences and how enthusiasm and passion are key in fostering students' potential and depth of spirit. In response, Yoshikichi Abe, vice president of Miyagi University of Education, emphasized that the teachers' success resulted from their daily efforts to create innovative lessons and actively engage in building relationships with students, parents and the community.

[Adapted from an article in the October 25, 2010, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, Soka Gakkai, Japan; photo courtesy of Seikyo Shimbun]