#Japan #South Africa #Kuroshio #SAPESI #Itoman

The Journey of 'Kuroshio': Supporting Education Across Borders

On May 17th, 2025, a momentous ceremony will take place in Itoman City, Okinawa, as the cherished mobile library known as the 'Second Kuroshio' sets off for South Africa. This remarkable initiative is led by the NPO SAPESI-Japan (South African Primary Education Support Initiative), which aims to enhance primary education in South Africa through the donation of this unique resource. The farewell ceremony will be held in front of the Itoman Central Library, and community members are encouraged to attend and celebrate this significant occasion.

Event Details

• - Date: May 17, 2025
• - Time: 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
• - Location: Itoman Central Library, 1448 Maesato, Itoman City, Okinawa 901-0362
• - Participation Fee: Free for all attendees

The ceremony promises to be heartfelt, featuring greetings from the Director of Education, expressions of gratitude from community representatives, and remarks from school participants. Toshiaki Suzuki, the Secretary-General of SAPESI-Japan, will also speak during the event.

A Lifeline for Education in South Africa

The 'Kuroshio' mobile library is set to be donated to the Library Department of the Department of Education in Gauteng, South Africa. It is intended to provide library services to public primary schools in the Johannesburg area, which is characterized by significant urban population influx but lacks sufficient library facilities. This initiative hopes to broaden educational opportunities for children in these underserved areas.

By connecting with local educational institutions in South Africa, 'Kuroshio' will play a vital role in delivering books to young learners, inspiring their ambitions, and enhancing their learning experience.

A Shared Journey of Learning

Interestingly, the Itoman City community and its 'Kuroshio' library share many similarities with Gauteng, South Africa. Both regions celebrate diverse cultures and have a rich history of forging their identities. Okinawa, with its heritage from the Ryukyu Kingdom, fosters a unique cultural and linguistic presence that stands apart from mainland Japan. Similarly, Gauteng is known as the "Rainbow Nation" of South Africa, a hub of multiple ethnicities, languages, and cultures coexisting harmoniously.

Both areas also face the challenge of ensuring that young people have access to quality education. The condition of youth and the necessity of providing them with educational resources are common concerns that bind these regions. This shared commitment gives 'Kuroshio' a symbolic significance as it embarks on a mission to bridge education across borders and nurture the future of communities in both Okinawa and South Africa.

Expression of Gratitude

This generous donation effort is made possible through funding from Japanese NGO partnership assistance. The Japan Foreign Affairs Association and local governments supported the transportation of the mobile library. Additionally, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines has been instrumental in providing continuous support since the inception of this project in 2009.

About the 'Mobile Library Project' in South Africa

The primary objective of the initiative is to deliver books to children in South Africa who have limited access to reading materials. By offering a mobile library service, the project aims to enhance literacy and reading abilities among children, creating opportunities for them to engage with literature. After completing its service in Japan, the used mobile library will be transported to South Africa and donated, allowing local educational authorities to mobilize librarians and drivers, ensuring effective operation.

In conclusion, the outreach and dedication behind the 'Kuroshio' library illuminate the powerful connection between communities across the globe. Together, we can build a future where education knows no bounds and every child has the opportunity to dream and achieve their aspirations.