Yucatan Autonomy University

Mexico's Yucatan Autonomy University hosts Makiguchi Forum

On July 14, 2006, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán (UADY) (Yucatan Autonomous University) hosted a forum titled "Learning from Tsunesaburo Makiguchi's Educational Philosophy" attended by 100 educators and students. Using as reference material a collection of theses titled Tsunesaburo Makiguchi's Philosophy of Value Creation published by Universidad Central de Venezuela (Central University of Venezuela), the group discussed "Makiguchi's Educational Philosophy and Views on Life" and "Soka Education and its Significance in Contemporary Society."

UADY Professor José Luis Dominguez Cástro said that for humanity Makiguchi is invaluable as an educator who offered practical advice on the fundamentals of education through personally applying his own theory. Professor Jorge Cortés Ancona of Universidad Modelo (Modelo University) stated that Makiguchi's pedagogy itself is a brilliant education proposal of which all responsible citizens, not just educators, should take note. Expressing his appreciation for the forum, Universidad Pedagógica Nacional (National Education University) Professor Maurico Roberto Díaz said Makiguchi's pedagogy, with its practical application, is one that must be employed in today's society.

Adapted from an article in the August 3, 2006 issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, Soka Gakkai, Japan.