Utsunomiya University; Learning infrastructure development for developing countries - Japanese aid in the field of water and sanitation -

Used in lectures at Utsunomiya University

I have been involved in some JICA projects such as development research, technical cooperation, and loans assistance, and engaged in infrastructure development, for example, electric power, transportation, water and sewerage in developing countries.

At present, I am in charge of the international project management in the Department of Civil Engineering and Regional Design, School of regional design, Utsunomiya University This year, I used JICA-Net multimedia-based learning materials "JICA's Cooperation on water and sanitation" and "Teaching materials for school about ‘Water', ‘Rwanda' and ‘International cooperation'" in the class three times from June to July, 2021, to show students the importance of infrastructure development activities in developing countries.

JICA's various international cooperation in the field of water and sanitation

The water supply facility built with Japanese assistance. For more than 30 years, Japan has been supporting improvement of water supply and sanitation in Senegal

Those materials introduce JICA experts' various activities in the field of water and sanitation, and the contents of the materials are easy for students (external link) to understand.

Because it was difficult to do overseas exchange and training under the situation of COVID-19, I thought using the material in the class was effective for students to deepen their understanding and interest of globalization.

"JICA's Cooperation on water and sanitation" (external link) introduces JICA's cooperation approach to water and sanitation issues through some representative examples of the projects.

For example, in Cambodia, JICA improved urban water services such as reduction of non-revenue water, and in Senegal, developed communities' capacity for sustainable operation and maintenance of water supply facilities, and improved hygiene education such as hand washing. In Vietnam, JICA provided safe drinking water and supported disaster prevention measures by working together with the government and citizens.

Tomita, who has been working on the regional water problem in Ruramira village as JOCV, talked it was important to make an effort to think from the local residents' point of view in the interview.

"Teaching materials for school about ‘Water', ‘Rwanda' and ‘International cooperation'" (Japanese) (external link) is the material that includes 11 videos. Two videos were picked up in the class: "Interview with people engaging in international cooperation activities - the case of Mayuzumi, JICA expert-" "Interview with people engaging in international cooperation activities - the case of Tomita, a member of JICA Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) -"

Mayuzumi has been working on the non-revenue water problem in Kigali City, Rwanda. On the other hand, Tomita has been working on the regional water problem in Ruramira village, Rwanda. Both interviews show how they promoted an international cooperation from their own experiences in an actual field.

Enhance interest in overseas activities through the experts' experiences

After watching the material, students discussed global water and sanitation issues in groups of 6 students.

In the class, more than 40 junior students of Department of Civil Engineering and Regional Design, School of regional design, watched the materials.

First of all, I explained the outline of infrastructure development and JICA's aid for developing countries, and exposed actual situation of global water and sanitation issues. Then, I screened the material.

After watching the material, students discussed global water and sanitation issues in groups of 6 students, and considered what kind of Japanese water technologies were effective for developing countries in the future. Finally, every student made a report about what kind of aid Japan should do for global water issues.

In the next class, I provided an opportunity for students to discuss their own reports each other. It deepened the understanding of aid to developing countries and enhanced students' interest in overseas activities.

Because students did not have enough knowledge of JICA's general activities and support for infrastructure development, the materials were useful for them to understand

The materials are in the field of water and sanitation. However, not limited to the field, those can be used widely to introduce the aid for developing countries to students as a first step. I hope many students have an occasion to think deeply about issues of developing countries and international cooperation by watching videos and hearing real cases' testimonies.

Satoshi Yamaoka
Professor
Department of Civil Engineering and Regional Design, School of regional design
Utsunomiya University

*The Material(s) mainly applied

JICA's Cooperation on water and sanitation

"JICA's cooperation on water and sanitation" explains and publicizes JICA's work on water and sanitation issues at international conferences and domestic events. It is aimed at any group, in Japan or elsewhere, with an interest in these matters. This material explains JICA's approach to water and sanitation issues, using various projects as examples. We hope this material will be used in many different situations, and raise awareness of JICA's work as a major development partner in water and sanitation causes.

• YouTube (external link)

Teaching materials for school about "Water", "Rwanda" and "International cooperation" (Japanese)

• YouTube "Teaching materials for school about ‘Water', ‘Rwanda' and ‘International cooperation'" (Japanese) (external link)
• YouTube "Interview with people engaging in international cooperation activities -the case of Mayuzumi, JICA expert-" (Japanese) (external link)
• YouTube "Interview with people engaging in international cooperation activities -the case of Tomita, a member of JICA Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) -" (Japanese) (external link)