Shogo ’25 learns about the power of education and community engagement to drive change.
This summer, I continued my work on a cause close to my heart: addressing rural depopulation in Uozu, Japan. Building on last year’s project, I sought to expand the impact this year by introducing English lessons at the same community center.
These classes were more than an educational endeavor; they were a part of a larger effort to revitalize Uozu and enhance its appeal as a place where people are proud to call home. In light of the recent Noto Peninsula earthquake, which affected Uozu at the beginning of the year, the light-hearted activities during my lessons provided a much-needed morale boost to the local community, uplifting the spirits of the local children and adults.
Understanding the importance of visibility in making a lasting impact, I engaged with local media to bring greater awareness to the issue of rural depopulation. By sharing my project’s mission through interviews with a local newspaper and a TV station, I promoted my project and highlighted the need for community revitalization in rural areas like Uozu.
Through this experience, I learned the power of education and community engagement in driving change. I also realized the importance of communication, both in the classroom and in broader outreach efforts, in spreading awareness of local initiatives. This project reaffirmed my commitment to using my skills and resources to contribute to the community that shaped me, my mother, my grandmother, and the generations before her, and I look forward to continuing this work in the future.
