African Studies is an overseas training program to study on-site about human rights and poverty in developing countries. This year, 13 12th graders took part in the program, and visited Botswana and South Africa for 12 days, from July 24th to August 4th.
The first day, the students met lots of animals in the wildlife sanctuary in South Africa, and the next day, they entered Botswana by land, which was an entirely different environment from Japan.
Exchange with the local students is also one of the purposes of this study tour. The students visited three schools: Maru-a -Pula School, Botswana, which has an exchange program with Tamagawa Academy, the University of Botswana and St. Cyprian’s School, South Africa, which is a Round Square member school.
The students attended a class and delivered a presentation in English, and experienced the dormitory life with the local students. They had a lot of time together playing and learning.
Some students were worried and had a negative image about the life in Africa, but they naturally got used to the African environment after experiencing the kindness of the local people.
They also listened to talks given by Japanese people who were working there, and had a chance to think about international careers.
Mr. Hoshino, Manager of the JICA Gaborone office, and Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers who teaches Judo to the local children, spoke on “What does working overseas mean?” and the students thought of their future careers.
Above all, the scene of the Mushana Village in Botswana and a slum in Cape Town, South Africa had a huge impact on the students.
In doing volunteer work delivering groceries and sweets to areas where there are a lot of needy families, the students realized the true facts of poverty. Direct contact with the poor children of the area brought the reality home to them.
While feeling glad that the children were delighted by the sweets, some of the students shed tears because of pain and regret, as there were other children who couldn’t get sweets.
However, a positive feeling had taken root in the students. They said things like, “I understand that many people are needed to save Africa. So, I’m going to get involved in volunteer activities” “I’m going to major in economics at university, and I’d like to help Africa.” “I want many of Japanese people to become interested in Africa. So, I’m going to talk about my experiences to people around me.”
At the end of the program, after the students walked around Robben Island, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and Boulders Beach, they visited Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, which is the southernmost point of Africa.
In front of the beautiful ocean, the students looked back on what they learned in Africa with a sense of achievement on finishing all of the scheduled activities, and shared their gratitude to the local people.
The students had big smiles throughout the seventh African Studies trip. They understood Africa better by fully using their senses while there. The tour etched the importance of seeing the world with a wide perspective in their mind, and they were able to focus on their coming careers.