京都先端科学大学は、2023年9月15日、在学する外国人学生を対象とした防災啓発イベントを開催いたしました。本イベントには、9月6日に入学式を終えたばかりの学生を中心に96名が参加し、海外からの学生の中には地震や台風といった災害を経験したことのない学生も多くいることから、防災に関する基本的な知識の習得と災害発生時の対応、AEDの使い方等を座学と実践の両方を通じて学びました。
このイベントは、京都市右京区役所、京都市右京消防署、公益財団法人京都府国際センター、独立行政法人国際協力機構関西センター（JICA関西）の協力のもと開催され、英語による外国人のための防災講座の実施、地震を模擬体験できる起震車や火災時の煙の怖さや避難方法を疑似体験できる煙体験ハウスの提供など、様々なご支援を頂き実現しました。
また、本イベントの開催に際して、本学の経済経営学部に在籍し公務員コースで学ぶ日本人学生達が、ボランティアスタッフとして準備段階から携わりました。当日の会場設営やイベント開催時の誘導、各体験での英語による説明を行うなど、運営においても活躍し、イベントは外国人学生との国際交流の場としても大いに盛り上がりました。
このたびの防災啓発イベントを通じ、来日後間もない外国人学生達が日本の災害や防災に対する知識を習得し、自身の安全を確保できるようになることに加え、災害発生時には地域社会の一員として、助け合い、行動できる人材になれることを期待しています。
（国際センター 岩田淳史）
In an effort to ensure the safety and well-being of its diverse student population, Kyoto University of Advanced Science hosted a Disaster Preparedness Workshop on the afternoon of September 15, 2023 at Uzumasa Campus. 96 international students—many of them newly enrolled freshmen—eagerly participated in this workshop, equipping themselves with essential skills and knowledge to respond effectively in case of floods, earthquakes, typhoons, and other emergencies that may occur during their studies in Japan.
This event was made possible thanks to the collaborative efforts of several key organizations, including the Ukyo Ward Office of Kyoto City, the Ukyo Fire Department of Kyoto City, the Kyoto Prefectural International Center, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, Kansai Center(JICA Kansai), who provided essential lectures in English. Additionally, Japanese students from the KUAS Faculty of Economics and Business Administration volunteered as event staff, playing crucial roles in management, venue setup, and delivering English explanations at each workshop station.
The three-hour workshop covered a wide spectrum of essential topics, ranging from the proper utilization of fire extinguishers and artificial electric defibrillators (AEDs) to the operation of various emergency disaster equipment such as power generators and emergency shelters. Students actively participated in hands-on activities, gaining practical experience that could prove to be a life-saving asset in real-life emergency situations.
One of the workshop’s highlights was a lecture delivered by representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Students were educated on how to access vital emergency weather and disaster information, which will help them to stay informed and make wise decisions in dangerous situations.
To further immerse students in the world of disaster preparedness, participants had the unique opportunity to step inside an “earthquake simulation” truck. This interactive experience provided a realistic sensation of what it feels like to be in the midst of a major earthquake, teaching students how to react calmly and protect themselves.
Overall, the Disaster Preparedness Workshop was a great success, and we hope that our international students gained some essential life-saving skills and learned about the importance of preparedness. KUAS will continue to empower its international students with the information they need to face the challenges of an uncertain future with confidence and resilience.
(Atsushi Iwata, International Office)