On July 9, 2025, a Farewell open lunch was hosted by ASC, using a room at TASC, to send off five exchange students who studied at TUFS during the 2024 Fall and 2025 Spring semesters. For Professor John M.Mugane, our invited guest professor, the event also served as a Welcome Open Lunch. The end of this semester, five exchange students are returning to their home countries: Ms. Linda and Mr. Daniel from the University of Zambia (who stayed for 4 months), Mr. Irene and Mr. Majaliwa from PUR (who stayed for about 10 months), and Ms. Gabriella from the University of Ghana (also about a 10-month stay). Each of these students was able to make their dream of studying in Japan thanks to the generous support of companies and crowdfunding supporters. We asked each student to say a few words, and all of them expressed heartfelt gratitude to the many people who supported their stay. Though the event was brief, everyone enjoyed pleasant conversations after finishing lunch, and it turned out to be a joyful gathering. While these students are returning home, Japanese students from TUFS will soon begin their own exchange programs in Africa. Perhaps they'll have the chance to meet again. We sincerely hope that after returning to Africa, these students will continue to serve as bridges between Japan and Africa. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Professor John M. Mugane, long-time professor of African linguistics and director of the African Languages ​​Program at Harvard University, will be speaking at a seminar at Sophia University. If you are in the area, please come and join us. Those who live far away can also listen to the lecture via Zoom. ----- Title:Reconsidering Ngũgĩ in Contemporary Africa: Urban Vernaculars and the Linguistic Agency in Youth Cultures Date: Friday, July 18, 2025Time: 17:15 - 184:5Venue: Sophia University, Yotsuya Campus, Building 2, Room 6:203 (limited to 25 first participants to register) & via Zoom Registration is required through the Google Form. Please register by 5pm, July 16. We are pleased to host a timely academic workshop that rethinks the enduring legacy of Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o in light of emerging urban vernaculars and youth language practices in Africa. This session explores how linguistic innovations like Sheng reflect shifting identities, socio-economic pressures, and political expressions among Africa's youth--often in ways that complicate Ngũgĩ's original call for a return to indigenous languages. Prof. John M. Mugane (Harvard University), a leading voice on African languages, will lead the dialogue, joined by Dr. Kithinji Kinyua (African Studies Center - Tokyo University of Foreign Studies), whose work focuses on African youth and political engagement. The session will be moderated by Prof. Wakiko Ohira (Sophia University). The event welcomes students, scholars, cultural practitioners, and all interested in African languages, decolonial thought, and contemporary youth cultures. Organised by:Institute of Asian, African, and Middle Eastern Studies - Sophia University Supported by:Japan Society for Afrasian Studies (JSAS)African Studies Center - Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (ASC-TUFS)

（From left）TUFS Students・Mr.Abelsilva,Mr.Kani, Ms.Shukule, Mr.Ireneさん, Ms.Matsuoka, Mr.Majaliwa and Mr.Jato. On Friday, June 13, 2025, six international students from Rwanda, Cameroon, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including undergraduate and graduate students and exchange students, participated as guest lecturers in a special workshop-style class on comprehensive history at Saitama Prefectural Urawa Commercial High School. The workshop was planned and organized by Ms. Yumiko Matsuoka, a teacher at Saitama Prefectural Urawa Commercial High School who enrolled in TUFS's Master's Program as a working adult and graduated in March this year. An article about the event has been published on the official TUFS website. Please take a look.

[Only for International African Students living in Rwanda]This information has been provided by Protestant University Of Rwanda(PUR), TUFS partner institution under the academic exchange agreement. ------ We(PUR) are now sharing the call for scholarship applications for our Bachelor's Programme in Peacebuilding and Development (English programme). The scholarships are available to international (non-Rwandan) African students and refugee students currently residing in Rwanda. The application deadline is 31 July. Scholarships for International African Students to Study Peacebuilding and Development Application Deadline: 31 July 2025 We(PUR) are pleased to announce the availability of scholarships for five qualified African international students who wish to pursue the 3-year Honours Bachelor's degree in Peacebuilding and Development. (Programme description available here: https://tinyurl.com/3d8e4x4r). Successful applicants will be expected to join the programme at the start of the new academic year in mid-September 2025. This scholarship programme is designed to provide young people from African countries--particularly, though not exclusively, those in the Great Lakes Region--with high-quality training in peacebuilding and development. The goal is to foster a cross-border network of peacebuilders. Profile_DPCS2025.pdf Scholarship Benefits Recipients of the scholarship will be exempt from payment of: · Annual registration fees · Tuition fees for three years · Internship and dissertation fees · In addition, they will be entitled to basic health insurance coverage. Please note: Travel and living expenses in Huye are not covered by PUR and must be borne by the student or their sponsor. The estimated minimum on-campus living cost for one academic year is approximately USD 500. Application Requirements Eligible applicants must: · Be no older than 30 years of age · Have completed secondary education with at least two principal passes or equivalent · Demonstrate a proven commitment to peace and development-related activities Application Documents Applicants must submit all of the following documents, compiled into one PDF file: · Completed PUR application form (Download from: https://tinyurl.com/3d8e4x4r) · Notarised copy of national examination certificate · Copies of secondary school transcripts (last 3 years) · Copies of other training certificates/diplomas (if applicable) · Copy of passport or National ID · Motivation letter written in English by the applicant · Two recommendation letters written in English or French Submission Please send your complete application and any inquiries to: peacescholar@pur.ac.rw