Hanako Network

HANAKO is a cooperation network between Finland and Japan. Founded in 2007 with the financial support of the Finnish National Board of Education, it reached the implementation phase in 2010.

Goals

The purpose of HANAKO is to:

  • develop and consolidate mutual multidisciplinary cooperation,
  • benchmark best practices for the development of a functional network between the two countries,
  • create innovations for the development of teaching / learning practices,
  • develop teaching materials,
  • enhance international mobility of students and experts.

Outcomes

HANAKO has produced the following outcomes so far:

  • Cooperation agreements with Japanese VET institutions and employers in the elderly care sector.
  • Expert meetings on VET systems, working life practices etc. to facilitate network development. In 2010, thirteen Finns participated in the expert visit to Japan.
  • Exchange of students and experts (teachers, instructors, employers) between Finland and Japan. In 2010-2011, five student and one expert exchanges were organised. In 2012, already thirteen Finns were on-the-job training in Japan. Ten persons participated in the expert exchange and two Japanese trainees had an on-the-job learning period in Finland.
  • Preparation materials and Web based coaching for students and experts who participate in the exchange. Materials include information package on Japan and its VET system, a guide to Japanese practices (manners, traveling, running errands etc.) and a Finnish-Japanese-English online picture dictionary. Web based coaching was launched in 2012. It takes place twice a year and deals with travel arrangements as well as customs and cultural issues from the Finnish and Japanese perspectives.
  • Instruction material for teachers on alternative treatment methods for practical nurse education, cultural differences in visual communication for media studies etc.
  • Two annual seminars in Finland.

Partners

The Finnish partners include seven VET providers and five employers. Omnia, the Joint Authority of Education in Espoo Region is the project coordinator.

The Japanese partners include eight VET providers and six employers: