On 16 October 2021, OPU international students from Bangladesh, China, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam visited Misaki-town, the southernmost town in Osaka Prefecture. They took part in the “Tree Planting Festival to Protect Life” held at the local elementary school.

OPU international students joined the tree planting with about 50 children of Tanagawa elementary school. After the event, they participated in the local Festa where the children, residents, and other related parties got together. 

The international students were impressed knowing that the first graders learn to programming and that the fifth and sixth graders gave presentations related to the SDGs.

In the afternoon, the participants walked along the Nagamatsu Coast and enjoyed the beautiful sea of Misaki Town. Under the nice weather, the students were able to feel the culture and nature of the town and interact with the children of the local elementary schools throughout the day, which was a meaningful experience for them.

This program is a part of the collaboration project between Misaki Town local government and OPU supported by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) International Student Community Exchange Program, funded by the Nakajima Foundation. Both parties have continued to implement a variety of exchange programs for international students and residents since 2011.

Contribution to the SDGs

3: Good health and well-being
4: Quality education
11: Sustainable cities and communities
13: Climate action
15: Life on land