TOMODACHI Summer SoftBank Leadership Program 2.0: Empowering Future Leaders – U.S. Training at UC Berkeley
From July 30 to August 18, 2024, the U.S. training of the TOMODACHI Summer SoftBank Leadership Program 2.0 was held, and twelve Japanese high school and university level students along with three community mentors participated in the training at the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley). The program focused on leadership and community contribution, guiding these participants to create action plans for social issues in their local communities in Tohoku.
The participants deepened their learning on leadership through a curriculum based on Y-PLAN, which emphasizes leadership, collaboration, practical problem-solving, resilience, and innovation. They visited various organizations in North Richmond and the Bay Area during their stay to learn more about community revitalizaion. The program highlighted the importance of teamwork, with students living and working together throughout the experience.
The U.S. training of the program concluded with a ceremony, held at the UC Berkeley campus, featuring remarks from Deputy Consul General Hajime Kishimori from the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco, and Audrey Yamamoto, President and Chief Executive Officer of the U.S.-Japan Council.
Participant Mitsuhito Hirose, commented on the U.S. training experience as follows. “During the program, what left a strong impression on me was walking through San Francisco and Oakland. I realized it is essential to have mutual understanding for different cultures to coexist and I admire the people of San Francisco and its surrounding areas for making it possible. Having grown up in Miyagi Prefecture, I was used to interacting with friends who had similar backgrounds throughout my school life. However, this program brought together students with various perspectives, and while we often had different opinions, I learned it is vital to have open, honest dialogues to understand each other better. At UC Berkeley, the instructors and staff provided full support, and through the Y-PLAN sessions, I reflected on the importance of taking action. I am excited to implement my action plans to bring joy and happiness to both myself and those around me.”
The next phase of the program will focus on action plan implementation supported locally mainly by the community mentors. In December, the program will host the final presentation in Tohoku where participants will provide updates and results of their action plans.
