Dec 19, 2023
Rikkyo University hosted the 2023 Country Festa in the fall, where JICA sponsored students from Uganda, Mozambique, and Tonga participated.
OBJECTIVE.
Moreen AMPUMUZA, a first-year MSDA student, introduced her country, along with students from China and Vietnam, at the Global Lounge located on the Ikebukuro Campus on November 27, 2023. During her presentation, she showcased a video of different national parks in Uganda, highlighting the country's rich culture, diverse animal life, and breathtaking nature. There was a student who had just visited Uganda. During his trip to Uganda in September of this year, the student only stayed in the City. However, after listening to Moreen’s presentation, he became interested in returning. Graduate students in the Faculty of Science listened attentively to her presentation until it was almost time for afternoon classes.
Moreen also gave a singing performance on December 6. Before singing, she explained about the song” Ampisizawo” by Ugandan singer Rema Namakula, who acted as if she was born out of her ordeal. Although she was kicked out of her rented house with her children because of poverty, Rema remained positive and persevered in pursuit of her dreams, ultimately succeeding in raising her children well. When we face tough times, Moreen encourages us to turn to God and pursue our dreams relentlessly, even if they don't materialize immediately. Moreen’s soulful voice echoed across the floor as everyone took in the powerful message that flowed from her song. Chinese students also performed a traditional Chinese dance with a modern choreography, which the audience was captivated.
Moreen also gave a singing performance on December 6. Before singing, she explained about the song” Ampisizawo” by Ugandan singer Rema Namakula, who acted as if she was born out of her ordeal. Although she was kicked out of her rented house with her children because of poverty, Rema remained positive and persevered in pursuit of her dreams, ultimately succeeding in raising her children well. When we face tough times, Moreen encourages us to turn to God and pursue our dreams relentlessly, even if they don't materialize immediately. Moreen’s soulful voice echoed across the floor as everyone took in the powerful message that flowed from her song. Chinese students also performed a traditional Chinese dance with a modern choreography, which the audience was captivated.
The MSDA second-year students Bacar BACAR, from Mozambique, and Samiuela POHIVA, from Tonga also introduced their countries at the Niiza campus on December 1. Bacar gave his presentation by using pictures of Mozambique culture, products, lifestyle, transportation, religion, and the rituals of adulthood that the boys had to go through in Mozambique. In Mozambique, there is a tradition that boys aged 7-10 spend a month away from their parents as part of their training together and learn various wisdom and knowledge to become a good citizen and valuable members of society. There is a Mozambican proverb that says, when your neighbor is in danger, you are in danger too, so you should go help them. He enjoyed conversing with Japanese students by answering their questions and by posing his questions to them.
Clad in Ta'ovala (traditional dress), Samiuela talked about the way of life in Tonga in particular, their traditional clothing, ceremonies, and dances, and how these practices have been incorporated into Tonga's modern society today. He also showed students Tonga's wide range of traditional food and desserts and how they are made. Tonga has a very persistent culture that provides a sense of community and sharing, regardless of where they are in the world. Samiuela maintains this way of life here in Japan, by gathering every weekend at a friend's house to spend time, drink kava (traditional drink), and play Tongan music, and on Sundays he attends worship service at the Tongan church in Tokyo. The students were highly interested in his presentation and asked numerous questions.
Here are the comments made by the MSDA presenters:
Bacar:
“First and foremost, I would like to thank Rikkyo University and all staff involved in the event organization and extend my gratitude to the MSDA Staff for letting me know about the event, and for allowing me to participate in the event and guide. It was a great pleasure for me to share a bit of my country, culture, and personal experience at the Country Festa event at Rikkyo University, I was so amazed to see students from the Niiza Campus, showing their willingness to learn about other cultures. Rikkyo students and I had an interesting discussion about the cultural differences between my country and Japan. They asked many questions, and I was so pleased to answer almost all of them. The experience helped me feel relaxed from the pressure caused by my assignments.
Samiuela:
“I really enjoyed the country festa and am happy to interact with other students and share about my country.”
Moreen:
“It was such an interesting event because it involved people from different cultures. Knowing different people and getting new friends and learning from each other, expressing our own feelings and emotions was a great deal for me.” She concluded by saying that she would like more of these events on the University campus.
Bacar:
“First and foremost, I would like to thank Rikkyo University and all staff involved in the event organization and extend my gratitude to the MSDA Staff for letting me know about the event, and for allowing me to participate in the event and guide. It was a great pleasure for me to share a bit of my country, culture, and personal experience at the Country Festa event at Rikkyo University, I was so amazed to see students from the Niiza Campus, showing their willingness to learn about other cultures. Rikkyo students and I had an interesting discussion about the cultural differences between my country and Japan. They asked many questions, and I was so pleased to answer almost all of them. The experience helped me feel relaxed from the pressure caused by my assignments.
Samiuela:
“I really enjoyed the country festa and am happy to interact with other students and share about my country.”
Moreen:
“It was such an interesting event because it involved people from different cultures. Knowing different people and getting new friends and learning from each other, expressing our own feelings and emotions was a great deal for me.” She concluded by saying that she would like more of these events on the University campus.
