In August 2023, students from TUFS visited the Protestant Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences (PIASS) in Rwanda, one of our partner universities, and TUFS students wrote an article about their visit.
PIASS Visit Report: 2nd Year Student, Africa Region
Takahito Yamamoto, Ririka Waki
In August 2023, eight students from the Department of African Area Studies visited the Protestant Institute of Arts and Social Sciences-PIASS of Rwanda, a partner university of TUFS.
The visit was made possible by the generous cooperation of Paul and Jato, who were studying at TUFS in 2022.
This paper reports on the visit to PIASS.
Pic１：Gate of PIASS
1. Purpose of the visit
PIASS has a large number of former foreign university students, and we visited Rwanda to reunite with them and to further strengthen the relationship between Japan and Rwanda through cultural exchange and discussion of the history of the two countries with PIASS students. Although we can nowadays connect with each other online, the visit made us keenly aware of the importance of actually going to the site, seeing it with our own eyes, and having direct dialogue.
2. Visits to PIASS teachers, staff, and students
We visited teachers and staff working at PIASS. We made a courtesy visit to the Vice President, Prof. Penine Uwimbabazi, who confirmed the deep relationship between PIASS and TUFS, and hoped that the active exchange between the students would continue. (Photo 2) They also had a talk with Professor Sasaki, who teaches at PIASS, and he introduced some of his activities in Rwanda. (Photo 3)
We also met with various professors and staff members, as well as former international students from TUFS such as Rodrigue, Patrick, and Amisi. (Photo 4) It was deeply moving to see them again in Rwanda. During my stay in Huye, I was also greatly indebted to PIASS students and Mr. Takao, a former PIASS student who is now conducting research in Rwanda. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them.
Pic２：Courtesy visit to Vice President Penine Uwimbabazi
Pic３：With Prof.Sasaki
Pic４：Professor Abraham's house
3. Cultural Exchange Event
The event at PIASS was divided into two parts: the first half was a cultural exchange, and the second half was a presentation and discussion on the comparison between Japan's postwar period and Rwanda's post-genocide recovery. During the cultural exchange, PIASS students experienced Japanese culture. The students were divided into four categories: origami, calligraphy, kendama, and Onomatopoeia, which they enjoyed together. In calligraphy, the students thought of kanji characters based on the sound of each person's name and wrote them with a brush.
Pic 5：Poster of the event
Pic 6：Paul and Moses enjoying their calligraphy
Pic７：Experiencing Origami
Pic８：Experiencing Kendama
The presentation, from TUFS's side, was divided into economic and spiritual aspects of Japan's postwar reconstruction and Rwanda's post-genocide recovery. After a brief history of Japan's involvement in World War II, the presentation touched on the economic growth of both countries and what supported it, followed by a discussion on the similarities and differences between the two countries' recoveries. Then, as methods of peaceful nation-building, we talked about the Japanese Constitution and educational reforms in Japan, and about the abolition of ethnic divisions and the Gacaca Trial in Rwanda. In the discussion part, we also discussed how to pass on history to the next generation and policy issues, etc. PIASS students came from various countries, and the content was based on the stories of each country, resulting in a lively discussion. (Photo 9)
Pic ９：Discussion
After the event, a group took a picture in front of the school building.（Pic10）
It was a very valuable opportunity to have the event with the help of Paul and Jato and many others. Thank you very much.
Pic 10：Group photo
We received a message from Jato and Paul, former exchange students of TUFS who organized the visit with us, and they were always there to support us during our stay in Huje where PIASS is located, except when we were sleeping. Thank you so much!We appreciate Jato and Paul's great cooperation to us. Thank you so much!
【Jatoさんからのコメント】
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the outstanding networking event that brought together students from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies in Japan and PIASS Rwanda. This event was not only a unique and enriching experience but also held profound significance in fostering mutual exchange and understanding. The inclusion of calligraphy and Japanese craft sessions was not merely about learning new skills; it symbolized the beauty of cultural exchange. It allowed us to appreciate the intricacies of Japanese traditions and arts, while adding to the cultural heritage from Rwanda. This cultural exchange is a testament to the importance of preserving and celebrating diversity. Engaging with fellow students across continents and disciplines provided fresh perspectives on shared research interests. It underscored the power of collaboration in addressing global challenges. By working together, we can tackle complex issues more effectively and generate innovative solutions. Where some students could exchange ideas with others. The presentations comparing postwar/genocide reconstruction and future issues in Japan and Rwanda were eye-opening. They revealed the remarkable progress both nations have made in the face of adversity and highlighted the commonalities in our struggles and aspirations. These presentations prompted meaningful discussions on resilience, reconciliation, and the path to a brighter future. This networking event was not just about academic or cultural exchange; it was about building bridges of friendship and understanding. It transcended geographical boundaries and emphasized our shared humanity. Such connections are invaluable in a world where global challenges require global solutions. Also, it was great to have a view about the tea and coffee plantation farm tour where we could have a beautiful view and better understanding of the process. Not forgetting the organization, we did where I had to book the hotel for the two days stay in Huye. And where Paul and I had to pick the Japanese students from the airport to Huye it was great though had some little delays at the park. In conclusion, the significance of this networking event cannot be overstated. It exemplified the power of mutual exchange to bridge gaps, create lasting connections, and inspire us all to be more empathetic and globally conscious individuals. I eagerly anticipate future opportunities for collaboration and mutual exchange between our institutions, as they hold the promise of a more connected, compassionate, and harmonious world.
【Paulさんからのコメント】
The networking visit of the African major students of TUFS at Protestant Institute of Arts and Social Sciences (PIASS) in Rwanda on 30th August 2023 was the first of its kind at PIASS in how it was prepared, conducted and the impact it is likely to bring. PIASS students were interested in the programs relating to the Japanese culture: calligraphy, origami among others. The presenters adopted a more facilitation-oriented style of disseminating the information, participants clearly gave their views while responding to interesting questions triggering constructive debate over post-war reconstruction. While students from TUFS addressed both Rwandan and Japanese context in relation to postwar reconstruction, a more two-sided exchange on cultural point of view can add an accent to such a successful event. Students at PIASS developed an interest in Japanese culture, making fun of writing their names in Japanese. Our recent visit of students from Momoyama Gakuin University, a number of PIASS students wrote their names in Japanese characters and those who could not make it were eager to learned. Well, the visit of TUFS students left such an interesting legacy.