On 11th May 2022, the Embassy delivered a lecture about Tanzania at the Soka University, which is one among the top Liberal Arts universities in Japan. Based in the Japanese capital of Tokyo, Soka University was designated as one of the country’s top global universities by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). First Secretary of the Embassy (Economic Affairs), Ms. Edna D. Chuku represented Ambassador Baraka H. Luvanda on a hybrid lecture programme attended by approximately 50 students from the Faculty of International Liberal Arts (the number of participation includes both physical and online students).
Prior to the lecture, Ms. Chuku had the opportunity to meet with senior Professors of the University namely, Vice-President and the Dean of the International Affairs, Professor OSANAI Masaru and Administrative Director, Global Core Center, Mr. SHIMOIDE Hiroki. Discussions focused on Tanzania - Japan relations and the importance of exchange programmes in the field of education between the two countries. On his part, Prof. OSANAI expressed interest in having a language exchange programme between the University of Dodoma and the University of Soka, pointing at the Kiswahili Learning Training Programme that Soka University has established as a stepping stone.
After the preliminaries, the discussion further moved on the main auditorium that was set for the day. The main presentation was followed by lively Questions and Answers session during which students and Faculty members raised questions on strategic issues, economic and trade matters, tourism, culture and social issues such as women’s empowerment and education. Students appreciated the opportunity to learn more about Tanzania. They pointed out that the information shared will greatly enrich their studies and research, as well as bring Tanzania to the attention of their colleagues.
Operating under the umbrella of SADC Group of countries in Tokyo, the Embassy is determined to hold a series of conferences in several Japanese universities and schools in order to promote Tanzania's products, tourism and culture. Previous conferences have also been held in Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Waseda University, Tokyo Metropolitan Daiyon High School, Komazawa Park International School and Kyosai Elementary School, for the past six months.