By Isabella Mei Tofflemire | Youth Program Coordinator
As the new school year begins, we are filled with excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead. In Japan, the start of the school year signifies fresh opportunities, growth, and the chance to embark on new journeys. This spirit of renewal resonates deeply with our commitment to volunteerism and community engagement, making it the perfect time to gather our Hands On Tokyo Youth Impact members once again.
After a busy exam schedule and relaxing summer vacation, the Youth Impact Group has regrouped with enthusiasm and new energy. We are thrilled to welcome new members, bringing our team to a total of 26 students. These young leaders gathered in a local park for their first meeting of the school year, kicking off with engaging ice-breaking activities that helped everyone get acquainted. Laughter and collaboration filled the air, setting the tone for a unified and energized group.
The 26 members of the Youth Impact Group come from 13 different schools across Tokyo, representing a diverse and dynamic group of students who bring unique perspectives and experiences to the team. This mix of backgrounds fosters a rich exchange of ideas and helps create a collaborative environment where every member can contribute meaningfully to our mission. By coming together from various schools, the students not only strengthen their own sense of community but also enhance the reach and impact of our volunteering efforts across different neighborhoods and groups in Tokyo.
During the meeting, the Youth Impact members took time to brainstorm and share ideas for the activities they hope to participate in throughout the year. The leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong foundation of teamwork and dedication to volunteering, fostering an environment where every member feels connected to the group’s mission. Together, we aim to create a more unified Youth Impact team that embraces the values of service, leadership, and positive change.
We are excited to announce some of the activities we’ll be focusing on during the 2024-2025 school year. In addition to our ongoing Pirika clean-up efforts, where we will continue to collaborate with Pirika Inc. to tackle environmental issues, our group will also engage in a variety of meaningful initiatives. These include visits to Kodomo-shokudou, offering support to children in need, spending time with residents of elderly homes to foster intergenerational connections, and teaching English to children with Down syndrome. This new activity is especially exciting, as it gives us the chance to make a positive impact by helping children with special needs learn and communicate in new ways.
“I’m excited to join Youth Impact 2024-2025 and meet team members I wouldn’t have otherwise. I look forward to learning about local challenges and working on creative solutions together. My goals include launching a new initiative and creating a welcoming space where everyone feels comfortable contributing. I enjoy connecting with like-minded people and engaging with our communities through meaningful volunteer work.”
- S.F Youth Impact Highschool member
“I’m excited about being part of a group that’s equally as dedicated and interested in service as I am. My goal is to build strong relationships with our members and to bring our ideas to life. I like that Youth Impact consists of a wide range of students who all bring something new and unique to the table.”
- C.S Youth Impact Highschool member
“I’m excited to work on projects in different fields of community service - we have so much flexibility and resources to build a new initiative.”
- R.K Youth Impact Highschool member
The Youth Impact Group is eager to make a difference in the community, and we are confident that this school year will be filled with growth, learning, and impactful actions. As always, our work would not be possible without the support of our generous donors. Your trust and contributions allow us to empower youth leaders and bring positive change to the community.
By Isabella Mei Tofflemire | Youth Impact Coordinator
By Maki Yukevich | Coordinator of the Youth Program
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