Prefectural Advisors

Prefectural Advisors are appointed in each prefecture and designated city throughout Japan. The PA role is to work with the contracting organization to provide support and useful information to JET Programme participants. We have three in Saga.

Japanese PA – Works for the Saga Prefectural Government International Affairs Division.

CIR PA – Works for the Saga Prefectural Government International Affairs Division.

ALT PA – Works for the Saga Prefectural Government Education Divison and is also an ALT.

Considerations when using the PA System

Mediation: Legally, PAs cannot become involved in disputes between JETs and their contracting organizations. A JET should first speak directly to their CO before contacting a PA about a work-related issue. When deemed necessary by all parties, a PA can be requested to interpret and mediate discussions between JETs and their COs.

Counseling: Your PAs will do their best to support you in your life in Japan. However, please understand that they are not professional counselors, and cannot offer mental health support.
JET participants have a number of options, including counseling subsidies from CLAIR and the JET online counseling system. Look here for more information on these options.

Confidentiality

Any information remains between PAs, who may consult together unless otherwise specified by the JET participant. PAs reserve the right to contact emergency services (etc.) in the event there is cause to believe a JET will do harm to themselves or to someone else, or is engaging in illegal conduct.

Please note that Prefectural Advisors do not have any special authority or control over other JET participants, or within the BoE / Contracting Organisations.

Contact

To reach a PA please call 0952-25-7328. You can also email the CIR PA.
(*PA contact information is for use by incoming, current, and former Saga JETs only. Contact from unaffiliated bodies will not be engaged with*)

CIR PA office hours are Monday ~ Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm.

ALT PA office hours are Mondays 8:30am to 4:30pm.

Cyrus’ e-mail is eerute-pie@pref.saga.lg.jp (exclusivel Mondays) or she can be reached at sagapa.cyrus@gmail.com / LINE (any time).

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District Representatives

District Representatives are announced annually at the Winter Conference by the CIR PA. They fulfil a vital role within the community by providing support to the JETs in their districts.

DRs meet monthly with PAs to compile information and help organize the various JET conferences throughout the year. They present at the Prefectural Orientation and Skills Development Conference, and welcome new JETs with District Orientations.

You can speak to your DRs about:

• Things in and around your home
• Transportation
• Events
• Anything specific to your district – recommendations, services, etc.

DRs are volunteer senpai – please approach them for information and resources. If you require support for grievances or personal situations it would be best to speak with a Prefectural Advisor.

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AJET Representative

Saga’s AJET chapter is only a one-person operation but plays a large part in maintaining the tight-knit community that we have here. The Saga AJET Represenative’s job is to provide as many opportunities as possible for the JET community to get together and out in the community, mainly by organizing various events in and around Saga.