I’m excited to announce that between May 30th to June 2nd, I’ll be cycling 500km with the Knights in White Lycra (KIWL) to raise funds for Mirai no Mori, a not-for-profit organization that creates life-changing outdoor programs for abused, neglected, and orphaned children in Japan, supporting their growth into happy and successful young adults.
There is a lot of stigma in Japan for children who grow up in care homes and many of them find it difficult to transition from life in a care home to the “real world”, so the work Mirai no Mori does focuses on equipping children with essential life skills they require when they become independent, that enable them to choose and create their own path for the future.
I would be extremely grateful if you would sponsor me on this epic bike ride and help support children. Any amount, small or big, is greatly appreciated.
The Ride:
The current plan is to cycle around 520km with 6000m total elevation climb.
Day 0: Shizuoka City
Day 1: Shizuoka to Toyokawa, 139kms and 1037 meters of elevation
Day 2: Toyokawa to Ena, 130kms and 2144 meters up
Day 3: Ena to Lake Suwa, 114kms and 1854 meters up
Day 4: Lake Suwa to Nagano, 110kms and 1363 meters up
Background:
Knights In White Lycra is a Japan-based fundraising group of people of all ages and backgrounds who 'get fit & give back' through sporting events. KIWL has raised over 146.4 million to help children from challenged backgrounds, to dream of a better outcome in adult life. KIWL has chosen to support Mirai no Mori NPO in 2024, who create life-changing outdoor programs for abused, neglected, and orphaned children in Japan, supporting their growth into happy and successful young adults.
Challenge
Children living at care homes have fewer opportunities for experiential learning due to the limitation of the current child welfare system. It is nearly impossible to fully prepare for this sudden and substantial change from the sheltered life in care homes. And many children are overwhelmed by the new problems they encounter, such as managing their finances, balancing work and study, managing new relationships, social prejudice, and the stress of being alone.
Solution
Mirai no Mori program is designed to equip children with "Essential Life Skills" that they require when they become independent. Through Mirai no Mori programs, the children encounter many new ideas, values and an unique environment for them to think and act on their own. These experiences will naturally teach them about leadership, teamwork, and communication, and through new challenges and small mistakes, they begin to learn and make these new skills their own.
Long-Term Impact
Mirai no Mori provides unique learning opportunities through multi-day residential camps and monthly day programs that support continuous experiential learning. We welcome children from 6-15 years old as campers, 16-18 as LITs (Leaders in Training participants) and 18 above as graduates. Together with your help, children discover new possibilities for themselves, leading to self-actualization and a flourishing future.
Resources
https://mirai-no-mori.jp/
