On Wednesday, July 17, 2024, a delegation from Srinakharinwirot University (SWU) in the Kingdom of Thailand visited Gifu University. The delegation included President Somchai Santiwatanakul, 10 faculty members, and 16 students. In March 2015, the Faculty of Education at Gifu University and SWU signed an inter-faculty exchange agreement. The collaboration between our institutions focuses on research related to special needs education and employment support for people with disabilities in the field of agriculture.

The SWU delegation was invited to explore areas related to art education, technical education, music education, and physical education. During the tour, they inspected the spaces where university students practice their teaching methods and develop skills, as well as the latest educational materials and tools developed by students and faculty. Notably, in the music education building, the delegation enjoyed a piano performance by Associate Professor NAKADA Kumiko from the music education course while experiencing the acoustics of the large choir room.

Subsequently, the SWU delegation visited the Gifu Field Science Center. They observed tomato cultivation management and harvesting tasks carried out by staff with disabilities. The delegation received explanations about greenhouse cultivation techniques and optimal planting seasons. SWU students had the opportunity to witness actual agricultural work and learn how people with disabilities engage in farming, striving for independence. Some of their impressions included surprise at the cultivation of high-value tomatoes during winter harvest and an understanding of the significance and potential of employment for people with disabilities.

During this visit, President KATAGIRI Fumie Chubugakuin College in Gifu Prefecture was present. Chubugakuin College also has an exchange program with SWU, and representatives from the three universities engaged in discussions about further collaboration in the fields of education and support for people disabilities. Gifu University will continue to strengthen cooperation with SWU and promote educational and research exchanges in the years ahead.