International collaboration established among Providence University, Local to Local Co., Ltd. in Kumamoto, Japan, and Yatake Town in Hitoyoshi City.
With the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at its core, Providence University partnered with the local Japanese company Local to Local Co., Ltd. to promote international collaboration and Taiwan-Japan regional revitalization efforts in Yatake Town, Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. The initiative focused particularly on SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
In 2024 academci year(March 16 to 19, 2025), the two parties co-hosted a trilateral academic exhibition at Yatake Station, showcasing the outcomes of collaborative efforts in regional revitalization. As part of the exhibition, Providence University faculty and students presented four life storybooks documenting the experiences of local elderly residents. These stories were displayed and shared through storytelling sessions at Yatake Station, aiming to promote intergenerational understanding and community engagement.
This initiative directly supports SDG 3 by enhancing the physical and mental well-being of older adults through community care and social inclusion. It also addresses SDG 10 by giving voice to marginalized elderly populations, and contributes to SDG 11 by fostering age-friendly, inclusive, and resilient communities. Furthermore, the participation of the Governor of Kumamoto Prefecture and students from Hitoyoshi High School exemplifies SDG 17, highlighting the power of cross-sector and cross-border partnerships in achieving sustainable development. This collaborative model demonstrates the potential of community co-creation and international academic engagement in addressing the challenges of aging societies and regional decline.
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