34th Chikouraku Seminar: Creating Hope from Despair at the Magoso School

34th Chikouraku Seminar: Creating Hope from Despair

The Okayama University Library is set to host the 34th Chikouraku Seminar titled "Creating Hope from Despair at the Magoso School – A 30-Year Journey with the Kibera Slum" on May 21, 2025. The event will take place at the Okayama University Tsushima Campus Library, specifically in the Japan Research Institute Plaza (Learning Commons).

This hybrid seminar will feature prominent speaker Chiaki Hayakawa, who is the founder of the Magoso School. This school has been a beacon of hope for children living in the depths of despair in Kibera, one of the largest slums in Africa. Over the past three decades, the Magoso School has provided essential resources and educational support to orphans and underprivileged children, significantly impacting their lives.

During the seminar, Hayakawa will recount the school’s inspiring journey, highlighting the challenges faced and overcome in establishing a nurturing environment amidst the harsh realities of poverty. Participants will gain insights into the social issues confronting the Kibera community and the relentless spirit that fuels their aspirations for a brighter future.

Event Details:

- Date: May 21, 2025
- Time: 15:30 - 17:00 (JST)
- Format: In-person and online (hybrid)
- Location: Okayama University Library, Japan Research Institute Plaza (Learning Commons)
- Address: 3-1-1 Tsushima Naka, Kita-ku, Okayama, Japan 700-8530

Those interested in attending the event must register in advance by filling out a form provided on the Okayama University Library’s website by May 19, 2025. The event accommodates up to 30 in-person attendees and 60 online participants, inviting not only students and faculty from Okayama University but also the general public to join in this vital discussion.

Registration Link: Register Here

Co-hosts and Sponsors:

The seminar is jointly organized by the Okayama University Library and the International Student Association (I.S.A.) Okayama Branch. This collaboration reflects a broader commitment to engaging local and international communities in dialogue about crucial educational and social issues.

The Okayama University Library, situated within Tsushima Campus, is dedicated to supporting educational initiatives and promoting awareness of global social challenges, such as poverty and education access.

About the Magoso School:

Founded in the late 1990s, the Magoso School has stood as a pillar of hope within the Kibera slum. It not only provides basic education but also addresses the nutritional and emotional needs of its students, proving instrumental in transforming lives. The school's commitment to fostering a sense of community and educational attainment has made a meaningful difference for many children who might otherwise remain trapped in cycles of poverty.

For Inquiries:

For more information about the seminar, please contact the Okayama University Library’s Research Consultation Group via:

- Phone: 086-251-7322
- Email: lib-event◎adm.okayama-u.ac.jp (replace ◎ with @)

By promoting awareness and fostering dialogue about social issues, Okayama University exemplifies its commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), acting as a robust platform for community engagement and educational advancement worldwide.

Join us in this meaningful journey towards creating hope and transforming lives through education!