JOCV Exit Interview: Mr. Shogo Aoki

The time I spent with my friends and comrades in Zimbabwe was an invaluable experience for me. We have shared not only fun times, but also hard times together and tried to overcome as a team. I will never forget the moments we have been through, both in joy and in sorrow.

Firstly, immense gratitude goes to all the people in Japan who supported my work by donating baseball equipment, I successfully managed to give the donations to Zimbabwe Baseball Association. In order to ensure that the baseball equipment is well managed and used efficiently, I established a system of contracting with schools and clubs to rent the baseball equipment. I hope this system will work forever for the development of baseball in the country.

The most difficult time was when sports were banned due to the effects of COVID-19. Originally, my plan was to go around and promote baseball by visiting schools by myself, but due to the COVID-19 regulations, I could not visit schools as much as I wanted. Anticipating that this situation would come again in the future, I focused on training players as coaches and I managed to increase the number of coaches. I shifted my main assignment goal to create an enabling environment where sustainable development would be achieved even in my absence, following completion of my assignment and after the COVID-19 pandemic. I strongly believe that the coaches I trained will engage in my stead for the development of baseball in the future.

Anywhere in the rural areas. I visited my friend`s house located in the countryside, and witnessed that the people in the community were facing a lack of electricity and water. In spite of this situation, I was impressed that most of the people were helping each other to overcome and enjoy their lives as a team. It was refreshing for me to visit different communities and experience a wide variety of lifestyles in Zimbabwe.

Chibuku Super and amaCimbi (Madora / Mopane Worms)