Start of the Locus Exploration Program
“LOCUS” is an exploratory learning program developed by Mynavi, where high school students explore solutions to local issues such as population decline and economic contraction, with the support of local businesses. By fostering interest in their communities and local companies during high school, the program aims to encourage students to return to their hometowns or seek local employment.
The Kyushu Economic Federation, in collaboration with Mynavi, is implementing the Locus program to encourage regional revitalization through the international cycling road race, “My Navi Tour de Kyushu 2024.”
◆ INPUT
Through the basic policy of “Make Kyushu Sustainable” set by My Navi Tour de Kyushu 2024, the students are presented with an exploratory theme: “What can we do to make our town a place where people want to continue living?” By discussing the strengths and weaknesses of their community with their peers, students start to see local issues as their own.
What’s important here is not to restrict their ideas by what’s feasible or not but to adopt an attitude of exploring “what they would like to do.” When they realize that the issues of the town are directly connected to the issues of its people, and when they experience the satisfaction of solving or improving these issues through collaboration with peers and the community, they can develop an attachment to the town and its people, as well as a sense of pride in themselves. This leads to the ultimate goal of exploratory learning, which is fostering “civic pride.” Civic pride is the sense of responsibility and enthusiasm that the residents and those connected to the area feel toward contributing to the development of their community. The first step towards this is learned through input and pre-study.
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◆ FIELD STUDY
Students gain insights into company initiatives through guest lectures by Kyushu Economic Federation member companies and local businesses involved in “My Navi Tour de Kyushu 2024.” They also conduct interviews in the VIP seats on race day. Applying what they’ve learned, they work in groups to discuss solutions to local issues. Following this, they present their ideas and engage in discussions with high school students from other regions, refining their solutions through the exchange of perspectives. This experience also introduces them to active businesses in the region, broadening their horizons for future job searches.