Our Town Inagi 2017: Tomoya Hirakawa

The joy of science for children in Kenya

Mr. Hirakawa, a resident of Koyodai, has been dispatched to teach science in Kenya, East Africa, as a JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) Youth Volunteer since January 2017 for two years.
The assignment is at a public elementary school (8-year system) in Runyenges, about two and a half hours by car from Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, where he teaches science to children aged 10 to 14. The assigned school has many children from families that value education, and it is a school that achieves excellent results in the exams held at graduation within the region.
Mr. Hirakawa passionately stated, "I want to convey the joy of science to the children using what is available locally. I would be delighted if one of my students develops an interest in science and wins a Nobel Prize." He is also looking forward to taking photos of the local scenery and wildlife to share his experiences and the wonders of nature with children in Japan after returning home.
Let's all support Mr. Hirakawa's efforts to contribute to educational development in Kenya, far from Japan.