OPINION: Close Experience Gap for Children

By Nobutoshi Kobayashi Commentary Writer Tokyo, Oct. 2 (Jiji Press)–Some children miss out on formative extracurricular experiences, such as sports, music lessons and travel, because access to these activities often depends on family finances, as do educational opportunities. Emphasizing the importance of hands-on learning in the early stages of life, Tokyo-based public interest incorporated association Chance for Children is pushing for wider support. “Finding what you enjoy and discovering different sides of yourself nurtures both intellect and sensibility,” says Yusuke Imai, the group’s co-representative director. “Positive experiences before age 18 contribute to well-being in adulthood.” In Japan, roughly one in nine children live in poverty. The situation is especially severe for single-parent households, among which the poverty rate exceeds 40 pct. Under Japan’s definition, a household is considered to be in poverty if its take-home income, after taxes and social insurance contributions, is less than half of the national median. To help address the problem, “kodomo shokudo” community cafeterias have been established nationwide, offering children free or low-cost meals and a welcoming place to spend time. Another benefit is to create environments that give children access to a broad range of experiences. No Experience for 1 in 3 Kids Harokaru Holiday Sumida is an innovative initiative in Tokyo’s Sumida Ward. “Harokaru” is a portmanteau of “Hello Culture” and “Hello Local.” The program aims to reach 3,000 elementary school children in the ward, providing, in principle, 5,000 yen’s worth of points per child to help them take part in activities such as sports, music and craft-making. Running from mid-July through the end of October, it offers more than 200 programs organized by over 100 providers. Children are free to choose the activities that interest them most. Toshiyuki Ozeki, president of Ozeki Kaban Kobo, a bag manufacturer that teaches how to make leather shoulder bags, reports a strong response from young participants. “Children choose their own colors and components and turn flat leather into a 3D bag,” he says. “When the bags are finished, their faces brim with confidence.” Last year, CFC ran the Harokaru Holiday initiative by itself. After the positive reception, CFC formed an executive committee with the ward office and other partners to expand the program this year. A CFC survey shows that in households with annual incomes below 3 million yen, one in three children have no out-of-school experiences. The survey also found lower participation in community events such as festivals among children from low-income households compared with their higher-income peers. Parents who lack such experiences themselves are less likely to involve their children. Children who have fewer opportunities to try new things often develop lower self-esteem than their peers. To break this cycle of experiential disparity, efforts are underway to expand access to meaningful activities. Harokaru Holiday broadens the range of experiences available, while CFC complements the initiative by providing voucher-based scholarships to low-income households, enabling year-round participation. Feedback included a quote from a child who said, “I’ve become more eager to take on challenges,” and a comment from a mother who said, “It’s reassuring to have someone who cares about my child.” Some local governments have recognized the value of hands-on experiences for children and have launched support programs. Such undertakings must be expanded nationwide, and economic and industry organizations across the country should also step up. Even simply giving children regular opportunities to talk with adults can make a meaningful difference. When young people have few adults to engage with, their imaginations tend to narrow, limiting how they see the world and the options they believe are available to them later in life. Surprised by Business Trips Kidsdoor, a certified nonprofit organization that supports children from low-income households with learning assistance, recently shared a telling moment. According to Chief Director Yumiko Watanabe, when an office worker who volunteers as a tutor brought back souvenirs from a business trip, the children were astonished and asked, “You can travel for work?” Children growing up in poverty are often assumed to lack motivation to study. Seeing their parents struggle, many come to view work as harsh and unforgiving, making it difficult to imagine a hopeful future. But when children hear from adults beyond their parents and teachers–people who speak about the satisfaction, growth and purpose that work offers–they are more likely to discover new possibilities and real meaning in their studies. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]