"Unlock Your Future in Japan!" – Exciting Reporting Session and Scholarship Program Introduction Held in Zambia　to Guide You Toward a Successful Study Experience!

On July 17th, JICA Zambia Office organized this hybrid-format meeting. It brought together 18 participants at the venue in Zambia and 15 online, totaling 33 attendees. The three-hour event featured distinguished guests including Mr. Satoshi OMINATO, Counsellor and Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan in Zambia, key stakeholders, high-ranking officials from the Zambian government, former and current participants of the ABE Initiative and SDGs Global Leader program, a representative from Japanese company, a Zambian representative of "KAKEHASHI Africa" formed by enthusiastic ABE ex-participants, and prospective candidates for future ABE Initiatives.

Despite its smaller scale, the event featured profound presentations from each speaker. A standout highlight was the unanimous sentiment among ex-participants that their time in Japan as exchange students was an invaluable experience, profoundly impacting their careers, lives, and perspectives on various issues.

From a Japanese company, the speaker at the event was Ms. Sayuri OGINO, CEO of KJS Company LTD. KJS not only hosts internships for ABE participants but also actively expands into the education sector in Africa. Her presentation was dynamic, offering an overview of the company, discussing future prospects, highlighting compelling aspects of collaborative projects with Africa, detailing current business endeavors, and candidly sharing insights on the transformative impact of internships.

Mr. Charles Moses SIAME, the Country Manager for Zambia, delivered an energetic presentation on "KAKEHASHI Africa," an initiative launched by passionate participants from the ABE Initiative Batch 2 in 2016. With enthusiasm, he urged participants to leverage the platform not just for networking but also to create exciting new business opportunities, extending its benefits well beyond their graduation.

One of the standout speakers, Mr. Jonathan CHUUKA (ABE Batch 4), interned at KJS Company LTD. during his time in the ABE Initiative program. Witnessing firsthand how Japanese youth excel in mathematics and science compared to their Zambian peers, and fueled by the insights and skills he gained during his internship, he was inspired to launch WeON Enterprise. Today, Jonathan passionately supports KJS by spearheading research to advance their innovative online program, "Think Board," which is transforming math education for students in Zambia.

During their presentations, these ex-participants vividly relived their unforgettable student life in Japan, from engaging cultural events and their impressions of Japanese society to their academic research and how these experiences continue to influence their lives today. Their stories were brimming with rich, meaningful insights, providing prospective candidates with invaluable guidance and inspiration for their future plans to study in Japan. As described, the Reporting Session and Scholarship Program Introduction was a dynamic and enlightening event, delivering firsthand accounts from ex-participants and establishing itself as a crucial and indispensable resource for anyone considering the study abroad program in Japan.

Here’s a taste of the vibrant advice shared by ex-participants:

・Dive into the chance to connect with students from across the globe—it's not just about studying in Japan but also savoring a rich tapestry of cultural perspectives.
・Fully embrace your time in Japan by soaking up its unique charm and tackling new experiences with an open and enthusiastic spirit!
・A standout highlight was the complete absence of racial discrimination throughout the entire stay, which made the experience all the more enriching.

These insights underscore the vibrant cultural exchanges, the profound enjoyment of Japan's allure, and the positive, inclusive environment experienced by the speakers during their time abroad.

Ms. Kafukanya Chipo MARJORY, an ABE participant from Batch 10, highlighted something she takes pride in besides her academic achievements: leading a parade and dancing in front of spectators during a major summer festival in Matsuyama City, her study destination. Her infectious love for dance and the captivating photos of her lively performance left attendees beaming with joy.

One compelling reason is the established support system provided to participants throughout the program. This support serves as a reassuring factor, ensuring that participants receive assistance and guidance throughout their journey, which is highlighted as a significant benefit of participation.

As ex-participants enrich their lives through studying in Japan, efforts will continue to maintain and strengthen the bonds between Zambia and Japan. Initiatives will provide platforms for ex-participants to stay connected with each other, with prospective applicants to the study program, and with exchanges involving Japanese companies. This ensures the enduring vitality of the relationships built between Zambia and Japan through these valuable experiences.

【Event Overview】

• Event Name: Zambia Reporting Session and Scholarship Program Introduction
• Date: July 17, 2024 (Wednesday)
• Organizer: JICA Zambia Office
• Venue: Hosted at a hotel in Zambia with a live online connection to Japan

【Speakers】

• Mr. Satoshi OMINATO (Counsellor and Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan in Zambia)
• Mr. Jotaro TATEYAMA (Chief Representative of JICA Zambia Office)
• Ms. Sayuri OGINO (CEO, KJS Company LTD.)
• Mr. Jonathan CHUUKA (ABE 4)
• Mr. Tembo SYDNEY（ABE 6）
• Ms. Kisha NAMUFUNGWE (ABE 7)
• Ms. Marjory Chipo KAFUKANYA (ABE 10)
• Mr. Chilombo MULIMA (SDGs Global leader 2020)
• Mr. Charles Moses SIAME (KAKEHASHI Africa, Zambia Country Manager)

【Program Overview】

• Opening Remarks by Mr. Satoshi OMINATO, Counsellor and Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan in Zambia
• Explanation of ABE Initiative and SDGs Global Leaders JICA Zambia Office
• Presentations by ABE Initiative Program Batch 4 Participant
• Presentation from a Japanese company, CEO of KJS Company LTD.
• Presentations by ABE Initiative Program Batch 6 Participant
• Presentations by ABE Initiative Program Batch 7 Participant
• Presentations by ABE Initiative Program Batch 7 Participant
• Presentation by current participant of ABE Initiative Program Batch 10
• Presentation by SDGs Global Leaders 2020 Participant
• Presentation by Zambia Country Manager of KAKEHASHI Africa
• Question and Answer Session
• Closing Remarks by Mr. Jotaro TATEYAMA, Chief Representative of JICA Zambia Office

【 Target Programs 】
・ African Business Education (ABE) Initiative :
A program aimed at African youth, offering opportunities for obtaining a master's degree at Japanese universities and internships at Japanese companies.

・ SDGs Global Leader :
A master's degree program targeting young to mid-career government officials and aspiring researchers primarily from developing countries, focusing on sustainable development challenges in public policy, administration, and economic sectors.