[Activities in Japan] Turning a sense of limitation into hope through learning beyond the classroom
The environment surrounding children in Japan is becoming more complex than ever: rising numbers of children not attending school, educational disparities linked to family circumstances, and declining self-esteem expressed as “What can I do?” It is not easy for children to expand their possibilities within the limited communities of school and home alone.
By providing a third place for learning, neither school nor home, we help children broaden their horizons dramatically.
Specific activities
- Career Talk Sessions: encountering diverse ways of life Beyond teachers and parents, many adults have chosen different paths: entrepreneurs, artists, craftspeople and Japanese people taking on challenges abroad. Hearing about their failures and reasons for taking on challenges gives children reassurance and courage that there is more than one right answer.
- Community Problem-Solving Projects (PBL): making the town a campus Children identify challenges in their own town and consider solutions. Through this hands-on learning, they experience the moment when textbook knowledge becomes a tool for changing society.
Our aim: the ability to steer one’s own life
Through this programme, we hope children develop **initiative and an acceptance of diversity**. Forming their own ideas about questions without fixed answers and moving forward in cooperation with others: these are the skills for navigating life that we aim to offer.
[Activities in Bangladesh] Breaking the cycle of poverty and turning dreams into reality
Meanwhile, Bangladesh still faces a serious lack of opportunities even before education begins. Many children cannot attend school for financial reasons or must abandon their studies and work for their younger siblings. Enrolment is improving, but barriers remain in educational quality, understanding of girls’ education and school dropout.
We work closely within local communities to address the underlying challenges.
Our distinctive, multifaceted approach
- Running community-based schools in informal settlements We operate local learning spaces for children unable to attend formal schools. Alongside reading and writing, we teach hygiene and practical knowledge for daily life.
- Strengthening STEM and IT education: providing tools for the future IT is the shortest route for young people in Bangladesh to work internationally. We strengthen science and mathematics education and provide an environment for developing programming and computer skills.
- Sustainable teacher training Teachers determine the quality of education. We provide ongoing training so local teachers can motivate children and offer appropriate instruction.
Children’s voices: scholarships that keep dreams alive
One boy studying with our scholarship told us:
“Before, my future was only about finding food for today. But now I dream of becoming a teacher and teaching the children in my village. Learning has given me a tomorrow.”
In closing: sharing enthusiasm for learning across borders
The tremendous desire to learn among children in Bangladesh, and the quiet wish for a better life among children in Japan: by connecting the two, we hope to create a new cycle of education.
Even barriers too large for one person to change can be overcome with your support. Will you join us in adding colour to the maps of the future that children are drawing?