Sophia Student Wins "Mazda make Things Better Award", the Social Policy Making Contest Hosted by Mazda Europe Headquarter

Yuka Kawamura, Senior at Department of English Studies in Faculty of Foreign Studies became a winner of "Mazda make Things Better Award", the contest for policy making hosted by the automotive company, Mazda Europe headquarter. This youth competition was held for the second time since it was established.

Last December recommended by Associate Professor Makiko Deguchi of English Department, Yuka Kawamura participated in Novel Peace Prize Winners World Summit which Mazda had been addressing as a part of their CSR. "My mind went blank when I was given a white piece of paper out of blue, told to write an idea to make the world better." Yuka looked back.

Having the experiences of studying abroad in England and Australia, Yuka wished to excel in the international arena since she was little. As a freshman at Sophia University she volunteered in Brazil teaching the middle and high school students, she realized there were many young people who were eager to learn but having no such chances due to the economic reasons. "Everyone should be able to receive the joy of learning. The inequality in educational opportunities shall be improved"; she remembered how she felt at the time. Her awareness became the fundamental of her idea for the contest, building the online platform in the area of the educational programs as well as the career developements for the young people worldwide to communicate with each others.

In February, as Yuka was told her remaining as one of five finalists, she concentrated in preparing materials for the solid presentation with her strong will to bring her project into the reality. In April, she was chosen to be a winner. Her idea earned high evaluation for having the high possibility of actualization supported by her determination to improve the current situation. Now as a senior student at Sophia, she claims "I realized myself drawn to the area of educational development. Right now I would like to focus making my idea real." With the prize money of 10000 euro making her dream come true, her days are busy. The project plans to make a progress focusing in Cambodia as a test case.

She commented "I clearly see the connections between all my paths taking me to where I am now", thinking back on her experiences of studying abroad, volunteering oversea and challenging for this award. She also claimed "I would like to provide as many hopes and the chances for the eager young people all over the world" With such a passion she is now working on her project.

Related links：The interviews of Yuka introduced in Mazda Europe Official YouTube Channel
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