NPO Katariba Launches Public Call for 'Regional Ecosystem Construction Course' to Support Youth Centers

Certified NPO Katariba is pleased to announce the start of public recruitment for its 'Regional Ecosystem Construction Course' under the 'Youth Center Entrepreneurship School' project, beginning Tuesday, May 19, 2026. This initiative supports organizations and municipalities nationwide in establishing and operating youth centers for teenagers.

While the importance of creating spaces for children has grown, challenges such as securing personnel and difficulty in coordinating with local governments and schools have emerged. These issues are particularly acute in rural areas facing population decline.

For approximately five years, Katariba has collaborated with local groups and municipalities to support the launch of youth centers. Through this experience, the organization has identified three key pillars: 'Diverse Spaces' to meet individual needs, 'Communities' for practitioners to share expertise, and 'Regional Foundations' where administration, schools, and residents work as one.

The 'Regional Ecosystem Construction Project' launched in FY2025 based on these insights. In its pilot phase last year, Katariba provided support to organizations such as NPO f.saloon in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, leading to the creation of new youth centers and an increase in local volunteers.

Building on these results, Katariba is now opening applications nationwide. This project is funded by grants from the Japan Network for Public Interest Activities (JANPIA) using dormant bank account funds. Katariba seeks partners to take on the challenge of building ecosystems where the entire community watches over and believes in the potential of its youth.