SAKURA SCIENCE High School Program Group 3
Closing Ceremony
On Friday, August 22nd, the Closing Ceremony for the 3rd group of the Sakura Science High School Program (SSHP) was held in the B1 conference room of the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) Tokyo Headquarters.
During the week, 56 high school students from Egypt, Ghana, India, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia experienced a variety of new things in Japan—including a special lecture by Professor FUJISHIMA Akira, visits to the University of Tokyo Kashiwa Campus, and the University of Tsukuba, a hands-on workshop at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), a visit to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and exchanges with Japanese high school students. All participants attended the ceremony with bright, cheerful expressions.
Below are excerpts from the speeches delivered by representatives from each country.
■High School Student Representing Egypt
This program gave us the opportunity to learn, to be inspired, and to see the future with wider eyes. The visits to universities, research centers, museums, and institutions were very beneficial and inspiring for us, and we could see how much Japan values knowledge, research, and creativity, not only for its own progress, but also for the development of the world. Although our week here passed very quickly, it gave us unforgettable memories. Japan will always stay close to our hearts, and we will carry these experiences home to share with our families, friends, and schools.
■High School Student Representing Ghana
There is a saying in Ghana that resonates with us today, and it says, zugu yini bi mandi shawara, meaning, one head does not go into council. This once in a lifetime event has gone far and beyond to serve as an epitome to this powerful proverb. It takes many minds, many hands, and many hearts working together to shape the future. Especially, the future of education, which serves as a cornerstone to development. The Sakura Science Program was a wonderful initiative that satisfied our curiosity and inspired us to take interest in new areas.
■High School Student Representing India
In India, we have a saying, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam－The world is one family. Here in Japan, we have lived that truth. Science has become our shared language. Curiosity has become our common ground. We asked questions, exchanged ideas, and discovered that while we may come from different corners of the earth, the pursuit of knowledge unites us all. The special lecture by Prof. FUJISHIMA Akira was more than a lesson in science; it was a lesson in vision. His words reminded me that true discovery is born not from comfort, but from curiosity, perseverance, and the courage to explore the unknown.
■High School Student Representing Kenya
This experience has been more than just a journey across borders; it has been a journey of growth, learning and connections. Through this program, we've had the chance to step into new cultures, broadening our perspective and gaining insights that simply cannot be taught in a normal classroom. What made this exchange truly impactful was not just the places we visited but the people we met. As we return back home, we do so with full hearts and open minds, ready to share what we've learned and continue building the connections that started here.
■High School Student Representing Nigeria
We are especially thankful for the opportunity to engage with renowned scientists, visit world-class research institutions, and hold meaningful discussions with peers from across the globe. These experiences have broadened our perspectives, sparked new ideas, and deepened our passion for scientific exploration. We carry with us unforgettable memories, newfound friendships, and a renewed sense of purpose. We cherish this experience and shall share it with our peers back home, hoping to inspire others to pursue their interests in science and global collaboration.
■High School Student Representing South Africa
The past five days have been nothing short of incredible. The Japanese people, culture, and way of living are truly a sight to behold. As South Africans, we came to Japan with many different expectations and things to look forward to. I can well and truly say that these expectations have been met and to the highest degree I might add. Lastly, to the students of this prestigious program, future leaders of this world: Continue being yourselves and most importantly, continue learning, because education is the most powerful tool which you can use to change the world.
■High School Student Representing Zambia
This program has been a journey of values as much as learning. We witnessed the firmness of Japanese researchers in their dedication to excellence. We embraced the discipline of punctuality and promptness, which reminded us of the respect owed to time. And we discovered the power of teamwork, proving that collaboration knows no boundaries of culture nor nationality. We leave with a deeper appreciation for your country and desire to return someday. As we depart, we carry the spirit of the Sakura Science with us, we shall continue to learn, collaborate and contribute to the global scientific community.
