MEXT Scholarship Series: 2020 Scholarship Student at Okayama University - Afia Boney

My name is Afia Boney and I am a 2020 MEXT Scholarship Recipient. I grew up in La Horquetta, Trinidad and Tobago, with my mother and three sisters. From a very young age, I would look at my sisters engaging in their academic studies very diligently and over the years, I have developed my own passion for academics. After graduating from high school, I went on to pursue a bachelor's degree in Geology and Chemistry (minor) at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica. I returned home with the hopes of pursuing a career in the oil and gas industry. However, after many futile attempts, I decided to go back to my first love, natural hazards and disasters. I remember Career Week in high school and the Volcanologist introducing his field of study and that had me locked! Since then, subconsciously, I developed a greater curiosity in the field of natural hazards.
 

While researching post graduate programs, Japan piqued my interest because of its innovation in disaster risk reduction. For decades, Japan has dedicated considerable resources towards the strategic development of state-of-the-art technology, environmental laws and best practices for the management of natural hazards and disasters. Hence studying in Japan was a first choice. I will be studying at Okayama University in Okayama Prefecture, Japan. My research will be focused on reducing the impact of flooding through the implementation of disaster reduction strategies using drone technology. Both Trinidad and Tobago and Japan have been experiencing severe flooding over recent years so hence my research interest.
 

Through the scholarship granted by MEXT, I can contribute to the advancement of both countries. MEXT allows my desire of becoming a researcher to come to fruition and contribute to national reform and policy making in Trinidad and Tobago. In addition to the educational experience, I look forward to experiencing the rich history, culture and cuisine that Japan has to offer. As a lover of languages, I look forward to being immersed in Japan, and becoming proficient in the language and learning their unique slangs. I also look forward to sharing “Trinbago” culture through food, music and stories. My faith is an important aspect of my life and I look forward to joining my church family there and I intend to make meaningful connections and lasting friendships. Community is strength.
 

Thank you to Ambassador Mr. Hirayama and the Embassy of Japan to Trinidad and Tobago for giving me this opportunity to pursue my educational goals further. I look forward to using the skills, knowledge and experiences that I hone to contribute to the development of Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean.
 

The Journey has begun! What a beautiful thing! Thank you God!