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Ubunture UTokyo

A student group from the University of Tokyo & SHIMOKITA COLLEGE, addressing educational gaps in South Africa through unplugged digital education and global collaboration.

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About Us

“Creating the future, together” — Ubunture UTokyo

Ubunture UTokyo is a student organization from the University of Tokyo that expands children’s freedom to learn and their power to dream through digital education.

Ubuntu is a Zulu word meaning “I am because you are,” a philosophy of care and mutual support. We paired this with Future to form Ubunture, reflecting our stance of bringing diverse people together to co-create learning that truly helps in the field.

Message from the Representative

Growing up in a small town, computers and the internet opened up my world. When I learned about the digital skills education gaps in South Africa, I felt compelled to share that same life-changing power of technology. Together with my peers, I founded Ubunture UTokyo to give the next generation the tools to expand their horizons.

Key Activities

Unlocking Potential Without Electricity

We run "unplugged digital education" that works in resource-limited environments, provide sustainable teacher training, and facilitate international exchange programs connecting youth in Japan and South Africa.

Members & Supporters

Diverse Students & Professionals

A diverse group of students and specialists from the University of Tokyo, African Leadership Academy (ALA), and other institutions are collaborating to tackle educational inequalities in South Africa.

Ways to Support

Become a Partner in Change

From individual monthly supporter plans to organizational partnerships, your support helps build the educational foundation for children in South Africa. Explore our various ways of engagement.

Messages of Support

I am truly moved by the young energy taking on the challenge of turning educational “gaps” in South Africa into “possibilities.”

The power of digital skills is not confined to computers or internet access—when we draw on “wisdom” and “creativity,” its potential expands without limit. You are embodying that very spirit.

Through science, I also work to “keep the flame of science alive wherever you are in the world.” This project resonates deeply with that aspiration. I hope many more people will learn about this challenge. It is the “young people who act” who create the future. You have my full support!

Genki Ichioka ｜ GENKI LABO
I deeply resonate with Ubunture UTokyo’s ambition to expand digital education starting from South Africa!

As the organizer of “52Hz,” an online community that supports students applying to universities abroad, I’m reminded every day of the power of technology to broaden our horizons and the potential of learning to expand future choices. I’ve been active between Japan and the United States, and Ubunture UTokyo’s mission speaks to me. It’s also very encouraging to see them—juniors from my alma mater, the University of Tokyo—taking on the challenge in Africa, a field different from my own.

Having founded two companies in Japan’s education sector, I’ve come to appreciate the high quality of education in this country. Precisely because of that, I’m convinced that if we can bring high-quality, Japan-born educational infrastructure to learners worldwide, we can fundamentally reduce educational inequality. I wholeheartedly support Ubunture UTokyo’s bold challenge!

Rinyu Tanitsu ｜ CEO, Tokitsukaze Inc.｜Director, 52Hz (General Incorporated Association)