On Saturday, June 6, a lecture for junior high school students entitled “Looking Beyond Our Borders: Understanding the Current Situation in Kenya” was held.

Our guest speaker was Ms. Chiaki Hayakawa, who operates Magoso School in Kibera, one of the largest slum communities in Nairobi, Kenya. The school supports children without family support, those facing difficult home environments, and children who have lived on the streets. Ms. Hayakawa spoke about daily life and the current state of education in Kenya.

During the lecture, students learned that the educational opportunities and living conditions many of us take for granted are far from guaranteed in many parts of the world. At the same time, Ms. Hayakawa shared stories of people who continue to live with hope and resilience, supporting one another despite challenging circumstances. The lecture provided students with a valuable opportunity to gain insight into realities beyond their own experiences.

In addition, Masaya Onishi, who studied the traditional African drum known as the Ngoma in a Duruma community in Kenya, gave a live performance. The powerful rhythms of the drums filled the hall, allowing students to experience firsthand the richness and vitality of African culture.

Ms. Hayakawa has visited our school on numerous occasions over the years, and students who have been inspired by her work have continued to participate in volunteer activities supporting Magoso School.

This lecture provided students not only with a deeper understanding of global issues but also with an opportunity to consider what they themselves can do to make a difference. It was a meaningful experience that encouraged students to broaden their perspectives, learn about diverse values, and engage with the realities faced by people around the world.