This project provides a forum for exchange between local communities and universities. It aims to take advantage of the advanced knowledge developed by universities to solve regional problems. It also aims to implement open-access education involving the local community in order to strengthen the hands-on problem solving skills of students. Specifically, Kyoto University provides a classroom program for freshman and sophomore students called Manabiyoshi, which literally means “qualified learning.” The course focuses on the city of Kyoto, and is intended to foster attitudes that challenge the status quo, improve open-mindedness, and cultivate a sense of responsibility. Furthermore, in the sophomore to senior program, students engage in a field work program named Bangumi Daigakko, which comprises three courses that may be freely selected by the students. The aim of this program is to foster creativity, the ability to solve real-life problems, and the power to take advantage of knowledge. Together, the Manabiyoshi and Bangumi Daigakko programs are called The Education Program for Kyoto. This five-year project was selected as a Project for Establishing the Center of Community 2013 supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). The application for project was greatly assisted by the Kyoto niversity Research Administration Office (KURA). The project aims to realize the aims of Kyoto Vision 2040, an initiative which was proposed by the Social Gathering to Think about the Future of Kyoto, and whose organizers include leading politicians, businesspersons, and representatives from various sectors, including former Kyoto University president, Dr. Hiroshi Matsumoto. Students who gain the program credits will be awarded a certificate of Global Top Leader Human Resource. Ultimately, Kyoto University seeks to instill a sense of Kyoto as a hometown for students, and produce human resources responsible for the sustainable development of Kyoto with the aim of contributing to harmony in the international community.

Shigeru Takami

Professor, Graduate School of Education / Unit Leader, Education and Research Unit for Regional Alliances