Associate Professor Yamamoto Yukiko, a faculty member of NipCA project, conducted an English lecture about Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for local high school students. This lecture was part of the social contribution activities of the University of Tsukuba and has been implemented since the 2022 academic year.
On Wednesday, December 11th, 2024, the lecture was held at Tsuchiura Nihon University High School. Joining Associate professor Yamamoto were three NipCA Fellows from the 2023 cohort—Ms. Tursinaliyeva Azhar, Mr. Rakhimov Mansurbek, and Mr. Abdullayev Shokhrukh —who also participated in the session. This time, the lecture included an overview of the international development goals as well as the challenges Japan has faced in its efforts over the past few years. In addition, a workshop was held during the lecture, giving students opportunities to have discussions with one another and give presentations in English. The students were asked to think about the issues facing Japanese society and to present their own ideas about actions they could take. Even after the lecture ended, some students stayed to ask questions and make comments.
For many of the high school students, it was their first time attending a lecture conducted entirely in English. However, the session not only deepened their understanding of the SDGs but also increased their motivation to improve their English skills. Both Associate Professor Yamamoto and the fellow found the experience meaningful and rewarding.
We received many positive comments from the participants, such as: “I was able to deepen my knowledge and understanding of the SDGs.” “It was my first time attending an English lecture, and I really enjoyed it because I was able to understand the content.” “Although my English was not perfect, I was able to have conversations with international students in English, which gave me confidence and made me very happy!”
