Dear supporters,
As 2022 comes to an close, what better time to look back and reflect on the past few months.
October brought about a trip back to where the journey began, hosting our first diversity and inclusion workshop in Kumamoto. We also continued the workshop series in Kyoto, adding a new theme, “Dream big”. In order for children to follow their dreams, it’s important for them to be aware of their privileges. Through discussions, the children were able to identify any potential discrimination their peers may face in achieving their dreams, and learn how they could provide support along the way.
For the second year running, the project was nominated as part of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion category at the British Chamber of Commerce (BCCJ) British Business Awards 2022. Sat alongside some tough competition, it was an honor to be recognized for our efforts despite not taking home the trophy.
November also marked the start of Caitlin’s participation in the Phoenixi social incubation programme. For four months, living toberu in Kyoto, we have the opportunity to share ideas with fellow members and refine many aspects in order to carry out a successful project.
Wishing you the happiest of holidays, and a healthy 2023!
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Dear supporters,
Since our last update, we have begun a new diversity and inclusion workshop series in Kyoto. Sponsored by the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, the workshops aim for students to appreciate and respect those who have different backgrounds, unique interests and cultures. We think it is crucial to develop sensitivity and acceptance to those who are racially or ethnically diverse.
Students of all nationalities between elementary school grades 1-6 are welcome to attend, and the workshops are held in a fun, English-speaking environment.
As of August 2022, we have successfully held three workshops:
We plan to hold more workshops in the near future! You can keep up to date on any future workshops on our designated page.
In the mean time, please follow us on Instagram for more updates - @guardian_japan.
Thank you as always for your support!
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Dear supporters,
As always, thanks for your donations thus far.
May is an exciting time, as we have just been granted permission to test the project at a high school in Kumamoto City. This is the first time we will have a chance to reach students between the ages of 16-18.
Through testing, we hope that we can discover any previous unknown issues, and through feedback, obtain valuable insight as to how we can adapt questions to best suit the needs of older children.
A special interview with myself was published in the March/April 2022 issue of the Japan SPOTLIGHT (an English E-journal of the Japan Economic Foundation). Not only did this address the project, but also wider issues regarding child abuse in Japan, along with my experiences that have assisted me on this journey. Please take a look at the article if you'd like to learn more.
Looking forward to even greater things to come for the remainder of 2022. Watch this space!
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Dear supporters,
As this is our first report, I'd like to begin by thanking this community for warmly welcoming the project with open arms.
We begin the year with our pilot programme at elementary and middle schools in Kumamoto, Japan in full swing. We are hopeful that come April, we will have gained permission to have the project in use at schools throughout the city from the next school year.
Moving from there, we aim to take the project to the prefectural government, in the hope they also grant us the opportunity to assist in detecting issues such and bullying and child abuse. Implementing the project throughout Kumamoto prefecture will be invaluable to students who may not have been given such a voice before, but also to have one that exists in a safe environment.
In November 2021, the project was recognized by the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan for its diversity, equity and inclusion. In 2022, that is another key focus for the expansion of the project. No child should be excluded from having the opportunity to use this service, and as such, adaptations will need to be made in order to fully adapt to certain students with special needs.
Truly looking forward for the growth we hope to achieve this year, and that wouldn't be possible without your support.
Wishing you the happiest and healthiest new year,
Caitlin
Links:
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