Sempai-Kouhai Program
First concieved as part of the Imperial Sun Party's congressional platform, the Sempai-Kouhai program has evolved into a citizen-run education program in Japan, the sole of its kind.
It is currently directed by Metic.
Structure
The Sempai-Kouhai program operates purely out of the organization and is not forum based. Contact between the mentor and trainee are established through this organization and trainees are generally told of this program through the 'new citizen message'.
Names
The Sempai-Kouhai name originates from the Japanese nouns, Senpai(先輩) and Kouhai(後輩), which literally translates into 'adulthood' and 'childhood.' There is however, much more to these two terms in Japanese society. Generally, it is used to seperate or show seniority in a particular setting such as between family members or between upper and lower classmates.
In the Western world, the senpai-kouhai relationship may also be akin to that of a mentor and protege which is the intended meaning in this case.
Leadership
Currently, this program is run by a Director and an Assistant Director who directs citizens to their respective mentors. It is then up to the mentor to guide the new player through all the game mechanics within the game.
The S-K program is run mainly through the help of volunteers from within the Japanese community. Message goes out to new players via Japan's new citizen message which amongst many other things, provides a link to this organization.
Aim
The main purpose of this program is to guide new citizens through the first few days of gameplay. eRepublik as a game features many unconventional features that can put players off. The hope is that through personal conversations with another player, an experienced one, would greatly increase the chances of players sticking in and in turn, become a valuable member of the community.
Programme
Being the main education program of Japan, the mentors of the exchange are tasked with helping the new players with all new eRepublik concepts such as wellness and training. There are no formal educational guidelines or a formal graduation. Along with opening key government companies to avoid the dreaded "no job openings" message, this was part of a nation-wide push to instigate activity within the community.
Results
The results of this program are mixed so far. The chief of the program, Toumori, has gone missing in the latter part of his term and the project is currently under hold until a new director is appointed. Early results indicated that new players were in fact exposed to the program and that pairings between them and the mentors were happening. Exact figures on these students have yet to be released.
