#Japan #Kizuna Nursery #Student Volunteers #Intergenerational Learning #Saitama, Tokyo

Student Volunteers Shine in Intergenerational Exchange

At Kizuna Nursery Schools, which operate under the auspices of the Kizunayukai Social Welfare Corporation based in Saitama, a remarkable initiative took place recently. Over 100 student volunteers participated in various nursery schools across Saitama and Tokyo. They engaged directly with the children by playing, assisting in childcare, and providing support within different classes. The participants ranged from elementary school students to university and vocational school students, each taking on roles that suited their age, such as leading play activities or providing support in childcare settings.

The Power of Intergenerational Exchange

The interactions among different age groups result in substantial learning for both the children and the student volunteers. Young children often look up to their older peers, finding comfort and guidance in their presence. In turn, older children and students develop their confidence and sense of responsibility through teaching and supporting others. This setting naturally cultivates essential skills like patience, humility, and altruism, enriching the growth of children while providing students with valuable opportunities to foster empathy and leadership skills.

In recent years, there has been a concerning decline in the number of individuals aspiring to become educators. Additionally, the decrease in siblings in many households has reduced opportunities for young children to engage with peers of varying ages. Consequently, more parents find themselves struggling with the question of how to engage with their children effectively once they reach adulthood.

The Kizunayukai’s acceptance of student volunteers addresses these societal challenges. Experiencing childcare first-hand not only encourages the development of future educators but also imparts crucial learnings to young individuals who aspire to be parents one day.

Voices from the Volunteers

The feedback from participating students has been overwhelmingly positive:

• - “I had so much fun playing with the younger kids!”
• - “I was amazed by the energy and creativity of the children.”
• - “As a childcare student, seeing child development in action made me eager to start working in the field.”
• - “This experience has strengthened my desire to become a childcare professional.”

Some students have even transitioned from volunteer experiences into actual employment as childcare assistants. This journey through hands-on experience provides significant insights that assist students in making informed decisions about their future careers.

Ongoing Volunteer Recruitment

Kizunayukai continues to actively seek volunteers. For those interested in childcare and parenting, this presents a unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience in a nurturing environment. Interested individuals can reach out via LINE or email ([email protected]) for consultation.

For those looking to join as volunteers or inquire about the hiring process, please apply through our LINE contact.