Sachiko is the Project Formulation Advisor in Costa Rica for the Japan International Cooperation Agency
Sachiko Kureta
My passion has always been sports, especially football. I started my career here, working for the local organizing committee of FIFA Club World Cups held in Japan. Although it was exciting and fulfilling to work with world famous footballers, big sponsor companies, and tons of enthusiastic fans from all over the world for a common goal, I got more interested in using sports for more social purposes. However, I have no idea about how to implement Sports for Development projects in impactful and sustainable ways.
Right before I left my first job, I travelled around Europe. A random SPP newsletter came into my inbox, and just because it sounded interesting I emailed the MPA programmes team to ask if I could try some lectures during my stay in London. Michelle Batten, the MPA Programme Manager, responded immediately to say that she would explain about the MPA if I visited her office. That same day I visited the LSE campus, where Michelle told me that the MPA is absolutely a multi-cultural group which has many people from different backgrounds and my unique profile was welcomed to the diverse community.
I’ll never forget the shock that I experienced on my first day of the MPA programme. The Shaw Library was filled with the energy and voices of classmates introducing each other. Dean Andres Velasco said in the orientation ‘Let’s change the world together’, and following his words, the MPA truly gave me various ideas on the way to change the world. The MPA’s multidisciplinary approach allowed me to combine quantitative methods of policy analysis, theory and technical skills for Social Impact - private action for public benefit – as well as using the practical application of the Capstone project for my own professional interests.
The time with my classmates was what I cherished the most in my MPA. I learned and grew up: not only in the classes but in public seminars, social events, coffee and drinks in pubs, as well as through the SPP official music band that we formed with musician peers! I am grateful to have met and spend two years with talented, inspiring, ambitious classmates from all over the world who always gave me new perspectives.
After graduating MPA during the pandemic, I decided to jump into adventure in a new continent – Central America. I am currently working as Project Formulation Advisor in Costa Rica office of Japan International Cooperation Agency, managing projects on renewable energy and disability inclusion. I have the privilege of discussing the future of the country and negotiating within the high levels of the government in Costa Rica, as well as talking with local people to improve their lives.
Yes, I am using the knowledge and skills I acquired in MPA. Every time I analyse projects, the MPA spirit inside myself asks me ‘Is the project really impactful? Is the impact proved by evidence? Does everyone benefit?’ Fortunately, I have learned how to find answer for these questions. I've been enjoying applying my MPA knowledge to address real development challenges and seeing with my own eyes the impacts and further demands.
I feel that the SPP is still always with me: not only the knowledge and skills acquired but also the network of alumni and professors which are my asset. And most of all, SPP friendship is lifelong! I am still on my journey to change the world through sports, and I feel lucky and grateful to be able to keep adventure toward my dream come true with the SPP family by my side.
Sachiko is happy to connect via LinkedIn.