This time, we would like to introduce “Impact Lesson,” an international educational program designed to experience the ethical use of AI and digital technology alongside Catholic Social Teaching—a program we especially encourage Catholic schools to take note of.
※See the details and application from here
1. Encyclical Magnifica Humanitas and “Ethical AI Utilization”
Just as Pope Leo XIV issued the first-ever encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, calling for the ethical use of AI and digital technologies, how we engage with technology is a crucial question in modern society.
In Seibo’s “Impact Lesson” and digital initiatives, while AI is utilized for creating manuals and providing training support, local Malawian youth remain firmly at the center of service delivery.
“We are called to evaluate whether the power of digital infrastructure and algorithms truly encourages people’s participation and responsibility, protects the vulnerable, guarantees fair access to opportunities, and is directed toward the common good of all.” (Paragraph 96)
Rather than replacing human beings with technology, we offer a “living case study” to enhance human capabilities, upholding the dignity of work and sustainable employment (the expression of one’s vocation).
2. Deepening the Significance and Practice of Catholic Social Teaching through “Impact Lesson”
In our 50-minute online group lessons and 25-minute or 45-minute individual lessons, participants engage in English conversation and cultural exchange through Chichewa (the local language) with local Malawian staff.
Going beyond simple language learning, it offers a rich sense of cultural exchange while connecting to the core values of Catholic Social Teaching:
・Human Dignity: Respecting the inherent worth of every individual, which cannot be reduced to efficiency or cost.
・Solidarity: Creating authentic human encounters that transcend abstract learning through direct, cross-border dialogue.
・Subsidiarity: Empowering local youth to take the lead, autonomously operating the services with the assistance of AI.
・Option for the Poor: Lesson revenues are reinvested into providing school meals to local children (achieving 340,565 meals monthly as of May 2026) and creating direct employment opportunities.
3. Turning Religious Education and Learning into “Concrete Action”
At Seibo, we support initiatives that turn the knowledge and insights gained through lessons and lectures into “practical wisdom for thinking and acting independently.”
① Student-Led Social Business Experience: Students brand and sell Malawian coffee and tea at school festivals and local events to raise funds for school meals.
② Inquiry-Based Learning & Research Presentations: Students conduct self-directed inquiry on themes such as AI, the dignity of labor, school meals, and poverty.
Examples of participating schools/universities: Salesian Boys’ School, Koen Girls’ School, St. Ursula Eichi, Sophia University, and many others.
4. Thinking about the Future through Malawi as Global Citizens
Beehive, which provides the Impact Lessons, is an operational partner of NPO Seibo. It provides school meal support to infants, primary, and secondary school students to deliver nutrition and a stable educational environment, while also serving as a vocational training center aimed at offering ethical and stable employment thereafter.
In Malawi, where agriculture accounts for 80% of the economy, digital technology is vital for cultivating future talent.
Furthermore, Malawian people—who speak English and possess warm hearts with a history of never experiencing war—will play a crucial role in the African continent, where the working population will continue to grow.
Introducing ethical AI usage and digital tools to these people has an important dimension in contributing to the common good of society.
Through Impact Lessons, we connect this Malawian talent with the world—primarily through Catholic schools in Japan—creating opportunities for cross-cultural exchange, English conversation, and vibrant global connections for Malawians.
By multiplying such opportunities, we can view Malawi not merely as a poor nation, but as a collaborative partner building the future together.
5. Program Implementation and Structure
① Consultation: Discussion on how you wish to introduce the program (e.g., as extracurricular activities, part of regular classes, etc.).
② Introductory Session: Setting up a time for Japanese staff to talk about the social significance of NPO Seibo and Beehive, and how students can get involved.
③ Impact Lesson Execution: Setting up interaction time with Malawians to conduct the Impact Lessons.
④ Outcome Review: Consultation on how to present or measure the outcomes of activities tailored to each school.
In striving for a journey together in Catholic education, why not translate Church teachings and your school’s founding spirit into concrete action through “face-to-face encounters” with the people of Malawi?
Please feel free to contact us regarding integration into regular classes, inquiry-based learning, or religious studies curricula.
NPO Seibo maintains regular connections with the Vatican through its school meal support in Malawi, the empowerment of local youth, and its contributions to Catholic education.
As we continue to develop our activities, we will keep incorporating diverse perspectives to explore effective approaches to global challenges.
