By Standard Correspondent

Youth sit patiently in a neat room keenly watching a documentary about Japan.

The film covers all aspects of Japanese life — seasons, food, national holidays and greetings.

When it ends, Mr Ian Wairua of the Japan Cultural Centre in Nairobi leads the discussion.

The 12 youths won a competitive Japan Government scholarship scheme for Kenyans studying in institutions of higher learning and universities in Japan. Some of them will leave for the country in April.

In the group is Brian Marube, 21, a former Kisii’s Cardinal Otunga High School old boy who scored A in KCSE. He won an engineering scholarship. Although he will first complete a diploma programme before embarking a degree course, he says the scholarship is the best thing that has ever happened to him. He is looking forward to studying in a well equipped university and plans to return home and contribute to the improvement of infrastructure.

Scholarship beneficiaries at the Japanese Cultural Centre in Nairobi. They will leave for top Japan universities in April. [PHOTO: COURTESY]

Marube heard about the scholarships last year and applied. He was then called for an interview, which he passed. "I think interacting with the Japanese will be exciting. "I know there will be a language barrier but it will be just a matter of time before I become proficient in Japanese," he says.

Technologically advanced

The fourth born in a family of six wanted to visit Japan since he was in high school because it is technologically advanced. "From what I have seen in films and at the embassy, the Japanese are sociable people," he says.

Also in the team is Grace Makokha, 26. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Bio-medical Sciences, First Class Honours, from Maseno University and wants to be a medical researcher and lecturer. She will be pursue a PhD in human virology and is delighted that she will study in one of the most advanced nations on earth. She has already identified a professor at Niigata University to supervise her studies. "I wish I were leaving tomorrow," she says beaming with excitement. She hopes to return home and participate in the fight against viral diseases. "I want to focus on areas that will benefit my country," says Makokha, also born fourth in a family of seven.

She feels privileged to be a role model to girls who are interested in science. "No subject is difficult if you work hard. I can’t say I am a genius because I got a First Class but I worked hard to get the grade. I shall do the same in Japan," she says.

She attributes her success to her lecturers who encouraged her when she found the going difficult.

Learning Japanese

Makokha does not foresee any problems studying in Japan and is already learning Japanese. Most of her lesson will being English.

Scholarships for Kenyans to study in Japan are categorised into Research Student Scholarship, Teacher Training Scholarship, College of Technology Scholarship and Professional Training College Scholarship.

More students will be awarded scholarships this year.

There are two major stages in the selection. The Japanese Embassy does the preliminary selection following media advertisements but the final choice is done by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in Tokyo in a year-long exercise.

Beneficiaries are taught basic Japanese language and culture to enable them easily adjust to life in Japan. When they arrive in the country they enrol for more advanced language studies.