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8Laban Kithinji KinyuaYuki YasumibaHanajienifuaifuonaia SaitoSOPHIA MAGAZINE Vol. 18Call to ActionThe event concluded with a panel discussion that provided unique insight into how Japanese youth can meaningfully engage with Africa. Africa as an Equal PartnerA common theme throughout the discussion was the importance of engaging with Africa on equal footing, rather than the stand-point of “helping” Africa. “It’s important to think about how to work with Africa, rather than thinking about what Japan can ‘offer,’” Yasumiba noted. “I would like you to draw from the wisdom of the past, the energy of the present, and the boldness of your aspirations for the future to forge the connections that we need to build better understand-ing and solidarity in our world.” In this spirit of cross-cultural understanding, a group of Sophia students shared their experiences visiting Zimbabwe and Côte d’Ivoire through Sophia’s Social Engagement Programs. The stu-dents recalled how they were moved by the warmth of the local people and the aspirations of youth.Panel member Yuki Yasumiba, JICA affiliate and founding member of Asia Africa Youth Nest, is working with African and Japanese youth to formulate action plans for submission to TICAD stakeholders. “We hope to provide opportunities for the youth of Japan and Africa to become co-creation partners and to establish a cycle that continues to generate new value in this di-rection,” she said. Laban Kithinji Kinyua, a researcher at Sophia University and the Japan Society for Afrasian Studies, also participated in the panel. As an instructor of African politics and society, Kinyua encourages students to deconstruct their prejudices and preconceptions about Africa so they can engage with contemporary Africa. “I invite my students to review their beliefs and assumptions about Africa with qualitative methods and through actual stories that tell the mean-ing of Africa. Africans and stories are inseparable,” he explained. Also on the panel was Hanajienifuaifuonaia Saito, a University of Tokyo student of Nigerian and Japanese heritage. Saito is a member of the NPO African Kids Club, which supports youth in Japan who have similar experiences growing up with two cultures.“There is a perception of Africa as a far-off continent, but Africa’s presence can actually be felt here in Japan. There are many Africans who moved to Japan for work, and an increasing num-ber of people like myself who are both Japanese and African,” she said. “However, prejudices towards Africa still persist in Japan. As part of our activities, the African Kids Club organizes events to address racism and other forms of prejudice.” Saito echoed this sentiment, saying, “Whether in the field of ed-ucation or policy, it’s important to engage with Africa on equal footing. My hope is that we can eliminate persistent stereotypes by continuously creating opportunities for learning and mutual understanding.” “We must approach Africa with new eyes,” Kinyua said. “When I call upon my students to confront stereotypes, I’m asking them to appreciate diversity. If you want to approach Africa sincerely, have the mindset of Africa as an equal partner.”