KIZUNA Recipient Ms. Maipelo Gaopatwe graduates

My name is Maipelo Gaopatwe. I am a graduate of both Kyushu University and Hokkaido University, where I studied Rock Engineering and Mining Machinery as a recipient of the JICA Kizuna program. Thanks to the program, I had the opportunity to study in Japan, where I was exposed to new technology and mechanization that have greatly improved my mining techniques. With the skills I have learned, I intend to contribute to the development of the mining industry as an educator and researcher in one of our academic institutions.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, my experience in Japan was overall fruitful and pleasant. During my time in Japan, I learnt to appreciate the strong sense of patriotism among the Japanese people, a mindset that one should work for their country, not an individual and lastly how they are in tune with nature. These attributes attest to their success as a people. Japan is the perfect place for those seeking exposure to advanced technology and rich culture.