TOMODACHI Amway Japan Foundation Tohoku Future Leader Program: Final Presentation

On July 15, 2024, the final presentation event of the “TOMODACHI AmwayJapan Foundation Tohoku Future Leader Program” was held at the Rikuzentakata Amway House Machi no Engawa in Rikuzentakata City, Iwate Prefecture. Approximately 50 people, including leaders and representatives from the municipal office and participants’ parents, gathered for the event. 

After returning from the program in the U.S., participants continued their learning through post-trip seminars in Rikuzentakata City. They developed their presentations  by reflecting on their experiences in the U.S. and engaging in discussions for revitalizing the Rikuzentakata community by using the “Logic Model” framework.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the day of the final presentation, 4 teams presented their proposals regarding community revitalization in front of the audience. The proposal topics included:

• “A tourism guide by high school student volunteers to help travelers enjoy everyday life in Rikuzentakata”
• “Travel plans that last more than one day”
• “A plan for activities that create a community for students, from elementary schools to high schools, and change the local area from a perspective of the youth”
• “An implementation plan for creating a community with new residents”

After their presentation, President of Amway Japan, Irina Menshikova, offered encouraging words to the participants. “Stay committed, with your heart, to the place you love. Be bold and be ambitious. Love to learn and do not be afraid to make mistakes. We will be next to you to help you to execute your dreams.”

Participant Ren Jito stated, “Through various experiences I had in this program, I  am able to take actions more independently by asking questions about topics I want to know of, and learn more. I have noticed a shift in my mindset; I realized that proactively engaging with the community and surroundings, rather than hesitating, leads to new experiences and knowledge. I feel that I have grown and become more proactive compared to my previous self. I plan to regularly review my notes and experiences and apply them to my future activities”

 

 

The program in 2024 was generously sponsored by the Amway Japan Foundation, with support from Rikuzentakata City .