NEWS

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan's Japan-Africa Youth Program: Kenyan High School Students Visit the ICU Campus

Update: July 9, 2026

On July 7, 2026, as part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan's Japan-Africa Youth Program, 24 high school students from the Republic of Kenya visited the ICU campus.

The program is a youth exchange initiative launched in the wake of TICAD 9 (the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development), held in August 2025. It aims to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will serve as bridges between Japan and Africa while fostering sustainable international networks.
Many ICU students with an interest in Africa, together with international students from Zimbabwe and Ghana, warmly welcomed the visiting students.

The program began with opening remarks by ICU President Shoichiro Iwakiri. ICU students introduced the university's history and liberal arts education, while an international student from Zimbabwe gave a presentation on their research activities at ICU and future career aspirations.
The Kenyan students then gave presentations introducing their country and their schools. This was followed by an energetic dance performance, with ICU students joining in the celebration.

After a tour of the university's lush green campus, the participants enjoyed lunch together and continued their conversations in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Finally, the visiting students who attend mission schools, toured the University Chapel. Upon seeing the Rieger Organ, one of Japan's largest church organs, they expressed great excitement at its beauty and impressive scale.
After a short but meaningful visit, the Kenyan students bid a fond farewell to the ICU students and the campus before departing for their next destination.

ICU will continue to actively promote international exchange programs such as this one, providing opportunities for young people who will shape the next generation to come together and learn from one another.