An Activity That Builds Children’s Confidence

Gussan

Hey, did you know there’s an amazing activity that opens up so many possibilities for kids?

Aikero

Opening up possibilities… like what kind of things?

Gussan

Things like sharing your opinions in front of others and thinking about your own future! Kids learn how everyone is unique, gain confidence, become more proactive, and broaden their horizons!

Aikero

Public speaking makes even adults nervous, so it would definitely build confidence!
What kind of activity is it?

Gussan

Glad you asked! It’s an activity where kids learn outside of the regular school environment. Let me introduce it right away ♪

Kids Creating the Future!

〈World Children’s Future Conference Supporting the United Nations × Kumamon Press Corps〉
After learning about the SDGs, kids brainstorm ideas to make Kumamoto’s future even better!
Selected Kumamoto representatives get the chance to present at the 〈World Children’s Future Conference Supporting the United Nations in Tokyo〉!
Ideas shared at the Tokyo conference are delivered to UN Headquarters!

Gussan

It’s a workshop-style conference where kids share ideas to make Kumamoto’s future better ♩

Aikero

United Nations…? Kumamon Press Corps…?
I can’t quite picture it!

Staff

Hello, we’re the General Incorporated Association FOR KUMAMOTO PROJECT.

First, let me explain the Kumamon Press Corps.
It’s a press team made up of children who interview, photograph, and share daily life and local discoveries from a kids’ perspective.

Aikero

I had no idea such an organization existed!
But how is the Kumamon Press Corps connected to the World Children’s Future Conference Supporting the UN?

Staff

Children join the Kumamon Press Corps and participate in the conference.
The group that wins the top award at the idea presentation event gets to attend the 〈World Children’s Future Conference Supporting the United Nations in Tokyo〉 as Kumamoto’s representatives!
Kids selected as Best Journalists in the Kumamon Press Corps for showcasing Kumamoto’s charm can also attend the Tokyo conference as official media reporters.

Gussan

Sharing your ideas beyond Kumamoto is such a rare experience!

Take On the Workshop Challenge!

Staff

The conference is structured as a fun workshop held over three sessions.

① What are the SDGs? Let’s start by learning the basics!
② Walk around your community and share what you discover and notice!
③ Present your ideas about the Kumamoto you’d like to see!

Gussan

The SDGs (which you might have heard about lately) are explained in a kid-friendly way, so don’t worry — it’s not difficult learning at all ♩

Staff

Here’s a glimpse of the workshop in action.

Gussan

Kids might feel nervous at first, but this experience builds confidence and helps them form new friendships!

Aikero

And there’s even a chance to go to Tokyo — that’s incredible!
How much would the travel cost in that case?

Staff

Travel expenses are covered by the secretariat!
The same applies to the Best Journalist award winners.

Aikero

Wow! That’s wonderful!
It gives kids a real goal to work toward!

Gussan

Exactly! And even if they don’t make it to Tokyo, the experience of expressing their opinions and working with friends will give them confidence to take on future challenges!
Now let’s hear about how to apply ♩

How to Apply

Staff

Here are the application details.

Application period: September 10 (Wed) – 28 (Sun)
Eligibility: Elementary school students in grades 4–6 (as of April 2025)
Program contents: SDGs learning, workshops, and a chance to present in Tokyo

Staff

Please also check the eligibility requirements below.

・Able to attend all 3 workshop sessions on the dates listed below
・Willing to share Kumamoto’s local charm as a member of the Kumamon Press Corps
・Resident of Kumamoto Prefecture with parental drop-off available

① October 12 (Sun) — Kumamoto SDGs Mirai Park
② November 3 (Mon, holiday) — Kumamoto SDGs Mirai Park
③ A weekend in January or February (TBC) — Kumamoto City

※The date of the ③ Group Idea Presentation will be confirmed by the time of the ① session.
※Time: 9:00–16:00 (② will also include fieldwork)
※Insurance will be provided on event days.
※Schedule subject to change.

Staff

Please apply via the dedicated form below.

▶Apply Here

Aikero

It’s perfect for kids who love sharing stories or have a deep love for Kumamoto ♪

Gussan

Right! It would be wonderful if kids would join with the simple wish to make our Kumamoto a better place!

Staff

Parents will be asked to help with drop-off and pick-up, but we hope you’ll support this confidence-building experience for your child.
We look forward to receiving many applications.

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