First Issuance of 7.38 Million Yen in 'Local Children Connection Grants' Distributed to 136 High School Students Falling Through the Cracks of Support

The Asahi Shimbun Social Welfare Organization (Chairman: Norio Odagiri), established by The Asahi Shimbun Company (President and CEO: Katsu Tsunoda), established the 'Local Children Connection Grant' in fiscal year 2025. This grant-type scholarship targets high school students who cannot rely on parents or relatives and who fall through the cracks of existing public support and scholarship systems. The first payment (for the second half of fiscal 2025) was completed on May 25.

This project aims to provide financial support to children facing economic hardship and isolation by collaborating with local support organizations. At the same time, it seeks to strengthen the local safety net and prevent children from becoming isolated from support. In the first year, a total of 7.38 million yen was provided to 136 students nationwide.

Background Requiring the 'Local Children Connection Grant'

1. Children Falling Through the Cracks of Support Frameworks

Financial support for children living apart from their biological parents and growing up in child care institutions or foster homes has been expanded in recent years by various organizations and systems.

However, among children involved with 'Child and Family Support Centers' and 'Social Care Independence Support Base Offices', which handle social care within local communities, there are cases where they face severe family dysfunction and economic hardship but do not meet the requirements of existing public systems, leaving them without sufficient support.

2. Building 'Connections' Beyond Just Financial Grants

The organization has pioneered scholarships for care leavers since fiscal 2008, but recognized the need to reach children who are isolated and in need while living at home, leading to the creation of this grant.

This grant strictly requires a recommendation from a partnered support organization. The goal is not simply to hand over money, but to use the grant process to strengthen ties between the easily isolated child, their family, the local community, and support agencies, leading to uninterrupted support into the future.

Results for the Second Half of Fiscal 2025 (First Grant)

Grants are recruited and distributed every half year on a postpaid basis to cover expenses for maintaining school life and future studies.

Target Period: October 2025 - March 2026 Number of Recipients: 136 Total Amount: 7.38 million yen Breakdown: Second-half grant (50,000 yen) x 136 students, Graduation gift (20,000 yen) x 29 students * 50,000 yen per student per half-year, plus an additional 20,000 yen upon graduation. Recommending Partner Organizations: National Council of Child and Family Support Centers, National Council of Independent Assistance Homes, Family Care Support Organization, NPO Enju

Current Situations of Children Receiving the Grant

Case 1: No Living Expenses Received In a single-parent household, the mother manages the finances. The child receives no living expenses and works part-time to save for independent living, but the mother opposes this, saying 'welfare payments will decrease'. The mother has brandished a kitchen knife and engaged in self-harm.

Case 2: Parent Exploiting Part-Time Wages In a father-child household, the father exploits the child's part-time wages, and the eldest child has taken on the care of younger siblings. The eldest child was semi-forcibly made to drop out of school by the father, but has since returned to high school. The student works part-time to earn food money for siblings while attending school, but the financial hardship continues.

Case 3: No Support Despite Father Needing Nursing Care The father requires nursing care due to illness, and the mother raises three children while caring for him. They have effectively become a single-parent household, but receive no institutional support. Soaring prices have compounded the burden, and living and education expenses weigh heavily on household finances.

Grant Inquiries Local Children Connection Grant Secretariat Email: [email protected]

Request for Donations For children struggling in adversity, this grant, funded by donations from the public, serves as a powerful message: 'There are adults in society who believe in you and support you.' The organization will continue and develop this project to deliver this encouragement to as many children as possible. We sincerely ask for warm donations from individuals and corporations who agree with this purpose.

[How to Donate] Credit Card, Bank Transfer: Accepted via the organization's website Postal Transfer: 00130-1-9166 Account Name: Asahi Shimbun Social Welfare Organization Inquiries: Donation Secretariat 0120-600-668 (Weekdays 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM)