At the present time in the so-called era of VUCA (“Volatility,” “Uncertainty,” “Complexity,” and “Ambiguity,”), it is challenging to predict the future. We are in a time where past　experiences and traditional ways of thinking can no longer be widely used. In these times, it is essential to acquire insights and conceptual ability into the highly uncertain future. It is also crucial to have the ability to collaborate with others while maximizing individual strengths amidst diverse values and ways of thinking.

With this, Sophia Dormitory pioneered a series of SDGs Tours with the purpose for residents of Sophia Dormitories to learn about SDGs and social issues directly from outside the campus, explore solutions to each issue with dorm-mates and develop essential skills for the future.

(1) Understanding/Practice of the Nature of SDGs Using the Sea of Shonan as a Field

At Shonan Beach, in Kanagawa Prefecture of Japan, students engaged in beach cleaning, microplastic-collection and SDGs workshops with facilitation from members of the Shonan Vision Institute – an NPO leading marine environmental activities with the aim of creating a sustainability community in Shonan area. This hands-on experience helped to foster a better understanding among students on how SDGs are directly connected to them as they grappled with how their daily activities impact on the marine environment and brainstormed ways to adopt more environmentally friendly behaviors.

(2) Boccia Experience-Based Workshop to Learn Para Sports

Boccia is an inclusive sport, open to individuals of all ages, gender, and physical condition, which is why it is an official Paralympic game. During this experience, students had the chance to explore social issues within the realm of sports, guided by the staff at Nomura Co., Ltd., a company that addresses social challenges through innovative approaches in ‘space production’. Through this immersive experience, students developed empathy for individuals with disabilities, gained insights into the prevalence of para sports, and considered how we can construct a more inclusive society for all.

(3) Learn Sustainable Circular Agriculture from KURKKU FIELDS

KURKKU FIELDS is a unique experience-based facility in Kisarazu city, Chiba Prefecture, that combines agriculture, food, and art, with a strong focus on future-oriented environmental management like recycling by-products and water produced using “Bio Geo Filter” and “Solar Farm”. During this program, students embarked on a farm tour to discover the workings of sustainable energy circulation and the connections between art and architecture within the natural environment. Students also gained hands-on agricultural experience by partaking in harvesting and planting. This immersive experience deepened students’ understanding of circular agriculture and its role in building a sustainable society.