麻豆传媒在线

The social entrepreneurship experience program, where SFC junior and senior high school students face regional issues, marks its sixth year. Last summer, we visited the remote island of Iejima. I wanted the students to see the reality behind the beautiful scenery with their own eyes. This challenge began with that thought.

After learning about the island's history, industries, and the current state of the US military bases, the students actually walked around the island. The sight of people working in the fields, the quiet harbor, and the landscape overlooking the bases. With every step, a weight that could not be understood through explanations alone spread through their hearts. It was impressive when one student murmured at dinner, "This is completely different from coming here for sightseeing."

The business plan creation in the second half was more difficult than expected. Divided into four groups of four, the students held repeated discussions. Although ideas such as products using local hibiscus and hands-on programs for tourists emerged, discussions often stalled, and there were moments when the atmosphere became heavy. I even heard voices whispering, "To be honest, this might be impossible."

At such times, the professional instructors nearby didn't rush or dismiss them, but quietly asked, "What's holding you up right now?" Every time they were about to give up, those words softened the air, and the discussion gradually became organized. It was in that flow that someone suggested, "Let's write everything out on paper once." In front of a large sheet of paper covered in sticky notes, they gave shape to their ideas, sometimes falling silent and sometimes suddenly bursting into laughter.

On the day of the presentation, despite their nerves, the students spoke about the island's future in their own words. They listened to frank opinions from local residents, and some proposals even led to discussions regarding concrete implementation.

This year, we will take on the challenge of regional revitalization for the three northern villages of Okinawa (Ogimi, Kunigami, and Higashi). Teams will visit the three villages to consider branding and tourism planning that utilizes regional resources and local specialties, and examine mechanisms to capture demand from Junglia.

What the students gain through this program is not just the power of problem-solving. They gain the warmth and pride of the region, as well as their own strengths and weaknesses. The sweat shed and the time spent learning under the Okinawan sky will surely remain within them for a long time. I want to continue to cherish the time these young challengers spend seriously facing the region and thinking about the future while working through their struggles.