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Understanding Social Welfare: The JENESYS Program

In an effort to deepen cross-cultural understanding and cooperation, the JENESYS program will welcome six students from Singapore, focusing on social welfare innovations in Japan. This initiative is a collaboration between the Japanese government and the Asia-Pacific region, aiming to foster connections among youths while promoting Japanese culture and initiatives abroad.

Program Overview

The JENESYS program, officially known as the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths, aims to enhance mutual understanding between the youth of Japan and Southeast Asia.

The upcoming session will take place from January 20 to January 27, 2026. During this time, the participating students, who are high school and vocational school students focusing on social welfare, will have the opportunity to explore Japan's strategies for addressing pressing societal issues such as declining birth rates and the aging population. The students will also investigate advanced interventions in early childhood education, social withdrawal, and welfare robotics.

Itinerary Highlights

Over the course of the program, the students will engage in various activities designed to provide insights into Japan's social welfare framework. Some key components of the itinerary include:

• - January 20: Arrival and orientation in Tokyo.
• - January 21: Visits to welfare facilities, including the Fukagawa Enmichi complex.
• - January 22: Lectures and visits to organizations such as Zenko-kai and Santa Fe Garden Hills.
• - January 23: A cultural exploration in Asakusa, followed by travel to Hokkaido.
• - January 24-27: Visits to the Hakodate Health and Welfare Department, cultural experiences like calligraphy, and interactions with local schools.
• - A special focus will be given to community dining facilities and Zazen meditation experiences.

The experience culminates with students staying with host families, allowing for a deeper cultural exchange before returning to Tokyo for workshops and final presentations.

Purpose and Goals

The essence of the JENESYS program extends beyond education; it is about creating networks among future leaders and policymakers in the realm of social welfare. By learning from Japan's approaches to complex social issues, the participants will gain valuable perspectives that they can apply back home in Singapore. Additionally, such exchanges enhance mutual respect and understanding, enriching the participants' capabilities as future professionals in their field.

As part of the Japanese government’s broader strategy, this initiative not only enriches the students' understanding but also strengthens Japan's diplomatic ties and showcases its commitment to international cooperation in addressing global challenges.

Through the JENESYS program, participants are not only recipients of knowledge but also ambassadors of their home cultures to promote intercultural dialogue and understanding.

Looking Ahead

With the ongoing challenges society faces, such as aging populations and increasing social disparities, programs like JENESYS serve as vital platforms for nurturing young minds ready to tackle these issues.

The contributions of the six Singaporean students during their stay in Japan will potentially pave the way for collaborative projects and ideas that can benefit both nations. This program represents a promising step toward fostering innovative solutions in social welfare for the future.