On May 22, 2026, we submitted a petition regarding the creation of a 'Support Subsidy System for Free Schools to Assist Students Refusing to Attend School and Their Families' to Morioka Mayor Shigeru Uchidate and City Council Chair Yuko Sakura.

On that day, along with representatives from free schools, parent associations, and related organizations operating in Morioka City, we were able to directly convey our concerns.

[Background and Purpose of the Petition]

This petition seeks to guarantee the 'right to learn,' which is constitutionally recognized but often insufficiently exercised due to the situation of school non-attendance.

We propose the need to build a comprehensive support system for children through collaboration between the government, schools, and the private sector, addressing both 'education' and 'welfare.'

[Content of the Petition (Four Pillars)]

The main contents of the petition submitted are as follows:

1. Guaranteeing Children's Right to Learn: Creation of a tuition subsidy system for free schools (reducing economic burden). 2. Addressing Inflation and Supporting the Continuity of Centers: Partial subsidy for operating expenses of free schools (maintaining spaces for children). 3. Developing a Sustainable Financial Framework: Active utilization of the 'Corporate Hometown Tax' (Furusato Nozei) and legacy donations. 4. Establishment of Dialogue Platforms: Creation of a consultation mechanism to reflect the voices of affected parties and continuously enhance the system.

[Reflections on the Day and Future Steps]

Members of the Morioka City Board of Education and the Department of Children's Future attended the meeting. We strongly felt that the awareness of the issues is deeply shared among many involved on the front lines.

However, it is also true that there are many hurdles to overcome, such as institutionalization and securing financial resources, and the path ahead is not easy.

For this reason, we will continue to repeat opportunities for dialogue, asking together, 'What is the guarantee of children's right to learn?' and 'What can adults do now for the future of our children?'

Although this may be a small step, we will not stop our progress and will move forward with our trusted partners.

[Submitting Organizations (in no particular order)] - Certified NPO Morioka Youth Center - Free School Blanket - NPO FutureSeeds Free Space Takizawa Spora - YUME School Morioka Campus - Daiichi Gakuin Junior High Division Morioka Campus - Minna no Mirai Keikaku Co., Ltd. - NPO Morioka Youth Port Sun Sun Room - Free School Parent Association

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: News