Online Event to Support Those Who Understand the Feelings of Children Not Attending or Unable to Attend School: Teachers, Freeschools, and Parents Gather

Supporters of Diverse Learning - Private Sector, Teachers, Parents, etc. - Gathering for Reiwa 8

As the number of elementary and junior high school students not attending school increases nationwide, collaboration among schools, freeschools, parents, and government agencies supporting children is becoming increasingly important. However, the current situation is that sufficient collaboration is not progressing due to differences in each party's perspective.

Based on these challenges, Nagano Prefecture has commissioned NPO Tayo na Manabi Project (Representative Director: Chisato Ikoma), which is involved in supporting school non-attendance nationwide, to operate this project. An online event, "Supporters of Diverse Learning - Private Sector, Teachers, Parents, etc. - Gathering," will be held on August 4th to deepen understanding of children's feelings among supporters involved with children not attending school, such as schools, freeschools, parents, and government agencies, and to consider better support and collaboration beyond their respective positions.

1. Date and Time

August 4, Reiwa 8 (Tuesday) 17:00 - 19:30

2. Content

Part 1: Lecture: "What Adults Around Can Do for Children Who Cannot Go to School"

Lecturer: Shoichi Tanazono (Manga Artist)

Mr. Tanazono, author of "The Boy Who Couldn't Go to School and I and 9 Teachers" and who himself spent nine years outside of school during elementary and junior high school, will talk about his feelings at the time and what he wished adults would do. This lecture is intended to provide an opportunity to understand the feelings of children who do not or cannot go to school and to consider better ways of interacting with them.

Part 2: Talk Relay: Theme "What is Better Support and Collaboration for Children?"

Moderator: Eijiro Arai (Associate Professor, Center for Educational Infrastructure Development, Shinshu University)

Panelists: Shoichi Tanazono (Manga Artist), Parents, Freeschool Operators, School Education Professionals

Participants will frankly discuss the conflicts and successful examples they feel from their respective positions, share their support practices and thoughts, and explore hints for supporting children by collaborating from diverse standpoints.

Part 3: Participant Networking Session (Networking among participants, sharing of impressions)

Introduction of information on school non-attendance support in the prefecture

Networking among participants, sharing of impressions from the day, and introduction of information on school non-attendance support in the prefecture.

3. Target Audience

Those involved in supporting children who do not or cannot attend school

(Teachers, education support center staff, private facility staff such as freeschools, medical professionals,

welfare professionals, municipal board of education personnel, parents, etc.)

4. Application Method, etc.

Please apply from the Nagano Prefecture website here.

https://www.shinshu-freeschool.jp/event/2025/

Information necessary for participation will be sent by the day before.

Application Deadline: July 28, Reiwa 8 (Tuesday)

Organizers: Nagano Prefecture, Nagano Prefectural Board of Education

Operating Consignee: NPO Tayo na Manabi Project

(Inquiries)

Nagano Prefecture, Department of Citizen Culture, Children and Youth Bureau, Next Generation Support Division

Next Generation Support Section, Contact: Tanaka

Phone: 026-235-7208 (Direct)

E-mail: [email protected]

NPO Tayo na Manabi Project

Contact: Takahashi, Ikoma

E-mail: [email protected]

Specified Nonprofit Corporation Tayo na Manabi Project

Our vision is "A society where all children can grow up as themselves and feel safe and happy," and our mission is "To make 'diverse learning' a common practice for everyone."