On August 1, 2026, second-year student HA MINH NHAT participated as a staff member in the 2nd Small Hydropower Workshop, a community-based educational event held in Koda Town, Akitakata City and organized by Free School YOLO. The workshop provided hands-on learning opportunities in renewable energy, allowing elementary through high school students to assemble small hydropower generators using 3D-printed components and conduct power generation experiments in a local stream. HA played an important role throughout the project, contributing from the preparation stage through on-site event operations.
The Children’s Smiles Showed Me the Power of Learning
HA’s involvement began after attending an information session for the Hiroshima CSV Lab, which had been introduced on campus by Professor Yasuo TSUCHIMOTO. Inspired by the program, HA became actively involved in field visits and workshops related to renewable energy and climate change, deepening his understanding of environmental issues through interactions with local residents, experts, and educators. These experiences motivated him to volunteer as a support staff member for this workshop.
Prior to the event, HA participated in site inspections and equipment testing, while also helping with material preparation and transportation, publicity materials, and photo and video documentation. On the day of the workshop, he assisted children with assembling hydropower generators, supported safety management during outdoor activities, and joined local nature-based learning experiences alongside the participants.
One of the most memorable moments for HA was seeing the children’s reactions when their handmade generators successfully produced electricity.
“The cheers that erupted when a handmade generator suddenly lit up a light bulb, along with the bright smiles the children showed during the local hands-on activities, left a strong impression on me.”
Through the experience, HA realized that renewable energy becomes much more meaningful when it is learned through direct experience rather than through theory alone.
Bringing Eikei University of Hiroshima Learning into the Community
HA reflected that the knowledge and perspectives gained at Eikei University played a significant role in the workshop.
Having studied Regional Revitalization through Professor Yoshinobu SODA‘s course on community development, HA was able to connect classroom theories with real-world community initiatives. He also noted that reading MIT Technology Review Japan Special Edition: Designing Society in the Post-Urban Era, Hiroshima as a City of Social Implementation helped him develop the perspective of a “game changer,” someone who creates positive social transformation. This way of thinking strongly influenced his approach to the workshop and community engagement.
In addition, working closely with children, local residents, and technical experts helped him strengthen his communication, collaboration, and decision-making skills. As an international student, he also found that participating in community-based activities significantly improved his practical Japanese communication abilities.
Toward Becoming a Changemaker for a Sustainable Future
Reflecting on the experience, HA shared that it strengthened his desire to contribute to sustainable community development through collaboration with local stakeholders.
“I would like to continue participating in community-based activities while deepening my studies at Eikei University. In the future, I hope to become a ‘game changer’ who contributes to solving regional challenges and creating a more sustainable society.”
By stepping into real-world settings, working alongside people from diverse backgrounds, and learning through practice, HA exemplifies the kind of experiential learning that Eikei University values and promotes.