April 2023 marks the 6th year of the "Children's Future Action", a movement to expand empathy for children with difficulties by learning and thinking about their problems such as poverty.

At this forum, "Children's Future Ambassadors*" nationwide, who support this activity, introduced examples of their ongoing activities aimed at solving the problem of child poverty, and participants deepened their awareness of the current situation and issues of child poverty in a talk session by the speakers.

The first part of the event started with a report by JCCU summarizing previous efforts, followed by a keynote speech by Ms.TSUJI Yukiko, Social Welfare Officer, nursery school teacher, and Cabinet Secretariat Child Policy Advisor, titled "The 'Children and Families Agency' and the realization of a society centered around children." Ms.TSUJI shared her own experiences regarding the reality and challenges of support activities from a wide range of perspectives, including the importance of mental independence (being appropriately connected to society) and the fact that working to solve children's problems leads to solutions for all generations.

Subsequently, as themes for in-depth discussions, Mr.OGAWA Koji, Representative Director of Usnova, a public interest incorporated foundation, reported on "Children's Advocacy and Children's Rights" and took turns, Ms. MOCHIDA Kyoko, Representative Director of Carer Action Network Association, also gave a report on "Young Carers." In enacting the "Basic Act on Children," Mr. OGAWA spoke about the importance of creating a system that openly listens to children's honest opinions without trying to read adults' faces, expanding support for all children, and providing more generous support for children with difficulties. Ms. MOCHIDA commented that it is important to listen to the young caregivers and that we all have a responsibility to nurture children and help them to have hope.

            

In the second part, Ms. SAKAMOTO Junko, Representative Director of NPO Child Care Network Niiza, was invited as a facilitator to lead a talk session by the ambassadors entitled "What can we do? Let's think about it from the case studies of ambassadors." In this session, ambassadors from NPOs, children's cafeterias, and consumer co-ops reported on their activities and exchanged opinions.

At the end of the talk session, the ambassadors stated their impressions and ambitions. Ms. KASAI Tuneko, a Board Member of Ibaraki Co-op, said, "I would like to welcome those who have not yet taken part in the co-op member activities to become one of us, and enjoy the activities without any pressure." 

Ms. MAKINO Hiroko of Egao, a support organization for foster parents and children, also commented, "I want more people to know about foster parents and children and hope that the number of people who support us increase." 

Finally, Ms. MINE Ayumi of Nagasaki Village Children's Club Koajiro concluded by saying,"It is because of love that so many people have come together and compassion is still alive and well in Japan."

 

 

As a mutual aid organization, JCCU will actively address the issue of child poverty in cooperation with other organizations.

*There are 1,005 Ambassadors nationwide (as of February 14, 2023). Ambassadors can exchange information with other ambassadors, participate in events hosted by the secretariat, and use learning tools on child poverty issues free of charge.

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