KumAJET

What is KumAJET? 

KumAJET is the local chapter of the Association for Japan Exchange and Teaching (AJET). AJET is a national volunteer organization of JET Programme participants whose mission is to serve the JET community by building support networks, organizing useful information, and offering resources to enhance the lives of JETs (more info on AJET and all of their great resources at ajet.net).

KumAJET is a group that brings people together to have fun and make friends throughout Kumamoto. Whether you’re looking to volunteer, have a night out on the town, or explore some of  Kumamoto’s scenery, they are the group for you. Although KumAJET is run mostly by JETs, their events are open to all residents of Kumamoto, both foreign and Japanese. Along with planning KumAJET events, they also hope to get more JETs out to other events going on in the prefecture by advertising for them on the KumAJET Facebook page. You can also join their Discord server and chat with members in the community.

Their main goals are to provide opportunities for our members to meet new people, see new places, and make great memories during their time in Japan while giving as much back to our communities as they possibly can.

You can contact KumAJET here. Please do not contact KumAJET about this page’s content or PA-related matters.

Meet your 2022-2023 KumAJET Representatives!

Spencer, KumAJET President
Kashima Town 3rd year ALT

Ki Ora! My name is Spencer Viernes, and I’m a third year ALT. Currently, I’m the President of KUMAJET. I’m placed in Kashima Town, south of Kumamoto city. In my spare time, I like to make origami. If you see me around, especially around AEON Mall or CostCo, let’s catch up! This year we plan to do big things so look forward to that! Nice to meet you!

Rose, Secretary
Kumamoto Prefecture, 2nd year ALT

Hi everyone! My name is Rose and I’m currently the secretary for KUMAJET. I’m a prefectural JET from Canada now teaching and living in Higashi-ku, Kumamoto City.

I love anything related to art, travelling, cooking (and eating), and I’ll never say no to a night on the town. I’m really looking forward to this year and connecting with more of you through our exciting events! See you around!

Goran, Treasurer
Kumamoto City, 2nd year ALT

Hi there! I’m Goran. I’m from New Hampshire in the US. I’m a second year JET placed in Kumamoto City, Chuo Ku. I’m the treasurer for KUMAJET. I like money, reading, video games and the occasional drink. KUMAJET events are always a blast, so I look forward to seeing you there!

Josh, Webmaster
Kumamoto City, 2nd year ALT

Hi everyone, please call me Josh! I am a 2nd-year JET placed in Kumamoto-city (Higashi-ku). I am the webmaster for KUMAJET.

I like singing, watching anime and reading manga. I also enjoy outings like camping, hiking, cycling, and any kind of event. To recharge my soul, I rely on ramen and pasta.

Looking forward to your participation in our future events!

Olly, Athletics Director
Kumamoto City, 2nd year ALT

Hey everyone! I’m Olly, I’m a second year JET from the UK, placed in Kumamoto City, Minami Ku (by the aquadome). I’m the Athletics Director for KUMAJET so I love all things sporty, active and outdoors. I’m always up for a cheeky pint and a pizza. Can’t wait to see you all at our events!!

Quinlan, Public Relations Officer
Yatushiro City, 3rd year ALT

Hey everyone! I’m Quin, a third year JET, placed in Yatsushiro City. I’m a fan of anime, I enjoy playing soccer, working out and making illustrations. I’m looking forward to meeting you at the future Kumajet events!

Damon, Events Coordinator
Kumamoto Prefecture, 4th year ALT

Yo! I’m Damon from Tennessee, USA. I’m starting my fourth year of teaching high school under JET. My hobbies are gaming, lifting, traveling and boozing. I’m in charge of coordinating events so if you have any ideas for a KumaJET-style blowout or day trip, hit me up!

Lee, Activities Researcher

I’m Lee Cockerham and I’ve been living in Japan for 5 years now. I live in Minamiaso and enjoy hosting events in the countryside. We have amazing hiking, onsens, restaurants, temples and more out here in the Aso area. Feel free to message me if you want to visit the area. I am happy to tour ALTs around the area and have some guest rooms for weekend trips. 

Reminders

Important Upcoming Dates:

・2023 Leavers’ Meeting

This meeting is for JET participants who are leaving the JET Programme. Information that can be found in the Leavers’ Guide will be reviewed and miscellaneous reminders will be made such as return flights and pension withdrawal. Participants are encouraged to bring a copy of the guide with them as well as any questions or concerns they may have about leaving JET.

Date: Monday, April 24, 2023

・2023 Leavers’ Ceremony

This ceremony is for JET participants who are leaving the JET Programme. There will be reflection speeches made and the participants will be recognized for their service.

Date: Friday, July 7, 2023

・2023 Kumamoto Orientation

This orientation is for first-year JETs who just arrived to Kumamoto. There will be workshops and information booths presented by veteran JETs focused on how to navigate living in Japan (driving, eating, cleaning, health, Japanese, etc.) and what to expect in the workplace (teaching advice, professionalism expectations, working conditions, etc.). There will also be time to socialize and get to know other JETs in Kumamoto.

Date: August 22 & 23, 2023

・2023 ALT Skills Development Conference (SDC)

This annual conference brings ALTs, JTEs, and HRTs throughout Kumamoto Prefecture together to share ideas on how to enhance the classroom experience. Although the main focus of the conference is to provide ALTs, JTEs, and HRTs with a space to improve their work-related situations, there will also be a few workshops available on life-related situations.

Date: TBA

The YOKA

Fall 2022 Issue

 

Post Categories