African Exchange Students and Sophia University Students Visited JICA Global Plaza: Learning About the SDGs and International Cooperation
On September 24, 2026, five exchange students from Africa participating in the SAFICs (Sophia Africa-Japan Collaborative Program) for the Fall 2026 semester, including four students from the Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST) and one student from Stellenbosch University, visited JICA Global Plaza in Ichigaya, Tokyo, together with five Sophia University students.
The visit began with a tour of the exhibition area at JICA Global Plaza. Through exhibits showcasing the progress of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by country, an opportunity to experience Boccia, a competitive ball sport, and hands-on displays featuring traditional clothing and musical instruments from around the world, participants deepened their understanding of diverse cultures and global social challenges.
The group then attended a presentation by a JICA staff member who had previously served as a Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer in Uganda. He introduced Uganda and shared personal experiences from the field, including showing participants actual Ugandan banknotes. Following the presentation, participants took part in a workshop.
During the workshop, participants used cards representing nine themes, including education, gender, environment, and politics, to create a “Diamond Ranking.” Divided into three groups, they discussed which issues they considered most important, shared their perspectives and experiences, and worked together to determine priorities before presenting their results to the other groups.
Although all groups considered the same themes, differences in national and cultural backgrounds influenced which issues they prioritized, resulting in unique rankings for each group. The workshop provided participants with an opportunity not only to learn about different perspectives and values but also to reflect on their own beliefs and priorities.
After the workshop, participants enjoyed lunch at the café inside JICA Global Plaza, where they sampled dishes from different regions of the world.
The visit offered a valuable opportunity for both learning and intercultural exchange. Beyond gaining a deeper understanding of international cooperation and the SDGs, African exchange students and Sophia University students were able to build meaningful connections with one another. Throughout the workshop, conversations developed naturally, and participants engaged in lively discussions about their cultures and personal experiences, helping to foster mutual understanding and friendship.
For the Sophia University students, many of whom had never visited Africa, and for the African exchange students, some of whom were visiting Japan for the first time, the experience provided a meaningful opportunity to exchange ideas on common global issues. By learning from each other’s perspectives, participants were able to strengthen cross-cultural understanding and connect beyond national and cultural boundaries.
