EUがあなたの学校にやってくる – 駐日ギリシア大使アルギロス大使をお迎えしました

11月13日（木）、本校は駐日欧州連合代表部が実施する教育プログラム「EU Comes to Your School」の実施校として選ばれ、駐日ギリシア全権大使ニコラオス・アルギロス閣下をお迎えしました。講演には高校2年生全員と高校3年生の希望者が参加し、ヨーロッパ統合の意義、EUの仕組み、そして国際協調の重要性について理解を深める貴重な機会となりました。 

アルギロス大使は、EUが掲げる「平和・自由・平等」の理念、共通通貨ユーロの運用、加盟国同士の連帯支援の仕組みなどを、外交官としての豊富な経験を交えて説明してくださいました。特に、ギリシアが財政危機に直面した際、EUによる包括的な支援により国家の安定を保った事例は、多くの生徒に“国際協調が具体的に人々の生活を支える仕組み”として強く印象づけられました。 

講演後には、生徒による英語でのプレゼンテーションと質疑応答セッションが行われ、アルギロス大使は一つひとつの質問に丁寧に答えてくださいました。生徒たちは普段教科書やニュースで目にするEUの制度や外交の舞台裏を、直接言葉で学ぶことができました。 

振り返りには、EU理解の深化を示す声が多く寄せられました。 

「EUはただ“まとまりのある地域”だと思っていたが、加盟国が困ったときに支え合う“協力の仕組み”であることを初めて実感できた」「通貨統一を一気に実施するという話が、日本との違いを浮き彫りにして興味深かった」「EUの理念の背景に、戦争の経験と平和への願いがあると知り、国際協調の大切さを改めて考えるきっかけになった」といったコメントは、大使の講演が生徒の理解を大きく広げたことを示しています。 

また、「国際問題は遠い世界の話だと思っていたが、EUと日本にも深いつながりがあると知った」「今回の学びをきっかけに、世界の情勢を自分で調べてみたい」「模擬国連でギリシア大使役を担当するので今回の学びを生かしたい」など、国際社会への主体的な関心につながる声も多く見られました。 

このプログラムを通じて生徒たちは、EUの具体的な制度だけでなく、“協力し合うことが国と人を支える力になる”という国際協調の本質に触れることができました。ギリシア大使館、アルギロス大使ならびに駐日欧州連合代表部の皆様に深く感謝申し上げます。 

なお、本校でのプログラムの様子が、駐日欧州連合代表部でも、以下のように紹介されています。

https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/japan/EUComestoYourSchool2025_ja?s=169

EU Comes to Your School – Greek Ambassador Argyros Visits Otsuma Nakano (2025) 

On November 13, Otsuma Nakano Junior and Senior High School had the honor of hosting His Excellency Nikolaos Argyros, Ambassador of Greece to Japan, as part of the “EU Comes to Your School” program organized by the Delegation of the European Union to Japan. All 11th-grade students and several 12th-grade volunteers participated in the lecture, which offered a rare opportunity to learn directly from a diplomat about the structure of the European Union, the role it plays in global affairs, and the importance of international cooperation. 

Ambassador Argyros began by explaining the core values of the EU—peace, freedom, and equality—and how these ideals have shaped the formation of today’s European community. He also described the mechanisms that support cooperation among member states, such as the introduction of the common currency, the euro, and EU-led assistance programs. Many students were particularly struck by the example of Greece’s financial crisis, during which EU support played a crucial role in stabilizing the nation. This real-world case helped students understand how international cooperation can directly impact people’s lives. 

Following the lecture, students delivered a brief presentation about our school in English and engaged in an interactive Q&A session with the ambassador. Ambassador Argyros responded thoughtfully to each question, providing insights not found in textbooks—ranging from Greece’s cultural heritage to the daily work of diplomats and the significance of Europe–Japan relations. 

In their reflections, students expressed that their understanding of the EU had expanded greatly. Several commented that they had previously viewed the EU simply as “a group of European countries,” but now recognized it as a framework for solidarity and mutual support. Others were fascinated by the rapid transition to the euro, noting how different it was from Japan’s gradual introduction of new banknotes. Many students also reflected on how European integration is rooted in a shared history of conflict and a strong collective commitment to peace—an aspect that led them to think more deeply about the value of international cooperation. 

Some students wrote that the session sparked new interest in global issues: 
“I realized that international organizations like the EU play roles that affect far more than just Europe.” 
“I had known very little about EU–Japan relations, so learning about their historical and diplomatic ties was eye-opening.” 
A student participating in the Model United Nations program shared that the lecture inspired her to research Greece’s stance on world heritage protection in preparation for an upcoming conference. 

Many also mentioned that learning directly from an ambassador made international topics feel more tangible and relevant: 
“I had thought global issues were distant from my daily life, but today’s talk helped me understand how closely connected the world actually is.” 
“I want to continue learning about global challenges and follow world news with a more informed perspective.” 

Through this program, students gained not only factual knowledge of the EU but also a deeper appreciation for the cooperative efforts that shape international society. We extend our sincere gratitude to Ambassador Argyros and the Delegation of the European Union to Japan for providing our students with such a meaningful educational experience.