A Vision Born from Learning Through Problem Solving

Since childhood, I have been fascinated by Japanese-made computers and machines, and particularly interested in solving social issues through ICT. I aspired to study programming and use ICT to contribute to the economic and educational development of Africa.

In 2018, I came to Japan to study abroad and attended high school in Miyagi Prefecture, where I had the opportunity to experience Japanese technology firsthand. However, I faced a language barrier and realized that a bilingual environment was essential to deeply understand specialized content. That’s when I was drawn to Eikei University of Hiroshima, which offers learning in both English and Japanese and emphasizes practical, problem-solving education. I decided to enroll.

In my first year at university, I participated in a project focused on reusing plastic waste in Hiroshima City. Collaborating with citizens and businesses, I learned about proper waste disposal and recycling systems, and came to appreciate the importance of working with the local community.

Later, during my third and fourth years, I reaffirmed the value of experiential learning through Experiential / Practical programs. I spent two months in Uganda, observing the realities of farmers and exploring ways to improve agricultural mechanization and marketing of harvested products. This experience made me realize that agriculture is not just about production—it plays a vital role in economic and social development. For someone like me, who had been focused mainly on ICT, discovering the potential of agriculture was a major turning point.

Building on this experience, I undertook a Degree Project researching how to improve the profitability and sustainability of agriculture in Uganda. Through direct dialogue with local farmers, I identified issues such as delays in mechanization and limited access to markets. As a result, I proposed solutions like shared machinery and improved distribution of harvests. Through this practical work, I developed foresight, strategy, and energetic drive by analyzing situations and considering long-term perspectives.

After graduation, my goal is to contribute to the development of agriculture in Africa, including Uganda. As a first step, I will join Satake Corporation, a Japanese agricultural machinery manufacturer, where I will be involved in market research and technology development at the Technology Headquarters. I hope to leverage the company’s advanced rice milling technology and agricultural machinery expertise to promote agricultural mechanization in Uganda and across Africa.

My learning experience at Eikei University of Hiroshima was not just about acquiring knowledge—it was about tackling real social issues and developing the ability to think through solutions. The environment, where Japanese and international students learn together, taught me the importance of diverse perspectives and helped me build global collaboration.

To future students and juniors, I want to emphasize the importance of learning through practice. I encourage you to take advantage of the university’s Project-Based Learning and Experiential / Practical programs, and to act with a clear sense of purpose.

Also, by valuing dialogue with teachers and classmates, new perspectives and ideas can emerge. Personally, engaging with the different ways of thinking of Japanese and international students taught me various approaches to problem solving. Through my experiences at Eikei University of Hiroshima, I hope to become someone with a broader perspective who can contribute to society.