#Japan #NIJIN Academy #Alternative School #Fukuyama #Fukuyama City

NIJIN Academy's New Partnership with Fukuyama Education

In a groundbreaking initiative, NIJIN Academy, an alternative school for children who have not been attending traditional education, has joined forces with the Fukuyama City Board of Education. The collaboration, which commenced in July, aims to provide effective support for elementary and middle school students in Fukuyama who struggle with attending school.

Background and Objectives of the Collaboration

The Fukuyama City government has historically prioritized the development of various support mechanisms for students unable to attend school. This includes the establishment of the “Kagayaki” free school and other tailored approaches to meet the unique needs of each child. NIJIN Academy, which operates entirely online and focuses on project-based learning and inquiry, aligns perfectly with this vision.

Through this partnership, NIJIN Academy is set to offer its virtual metaverse space as a new learning environment. This initiative not only aims to boost students' self-esteem but also encourages them to transition to the “Kagayaki” free school and, eventually, back to regular school settings. The intention is to enhance their social skills while providing a secure learning space.

Support Offered by NIJIN Academy

1. Virtual Metaverse Access
Non-attending students will be granted access to the metaverse school, providing them with a safe and encouraging place to learn and engage.

2. Interactive Online Classes
Classes focus on dialogue rather than simply imparting knowledge. This approach fosters critical thinking and encourages students to express their opinions actively.

3. Student-Centered Project Activities
Students will design their own projects based on their interests, with adult facilitators acting as guides rather than conventional teachers.

4. Personalized Learning Support
For students who find traditional learning challenging, NIJIN Academy provides individualized assistance tailored to their unique learning styles, allowing them to experience the joy of understanding and achievement.

5. Psychological Support
The metaverse school emphasizes psychological safety, with systems in place for ongoing communication between the educational board and families. Counseling and individual meetings will also be available for those in need.

Insights from the Fukuyama Education Committee

The Fukuyama City Board of Education has developed diversified educational environments, including the “Kirari Room” and the “Kagayaki” free school, to cater to the unique situations of non-attending students. However, challenges remain in assisting those who cannot access these facilities. The partnership with NIJIN Academy is seen as a solution, creating a new learning and socialization space for these children in the immersive metaverse. Officials express hope that this initiative will not only instill confidence in students but also provide pathways to engage with the “Kagayaki” free school and eventually return to mainstream education.

About NIJIN Academy

NIJIN Academy opened in September 2023 and welcomes over 500 students from more than 38 prefectures across Japan. Central to its curriculum are three pillars: multi-layered psychological safety, engaging discussions led by high-caliber educators, and the empowerment of students through self-directed projects. The academy envisions a future where attending school does not generate feelings of inferiority or guilt, fostering hope for every child. To date, over 90% of its enrolled students have been recognized for attendance at their respective schools

NIJIN Company Overview

Founded by former elementary school teacher Tatsuya Hoshino in April 2022, NIJIN’s mission is to illuminate education in Japan. The company aims to create a system that enables every child to thrive educationally, addressing issues like absenteeism, teacher shortages, and the overall nature of schooling. NIJIN offers a range of 13 solutions to tackle educational challenges, framing them as a pressing national concern.

Company: NIJIN Inc.
Location: 2-5-5 Tokiwa, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Established: April 1, 2022
CEO: Tatsuya Hoshino
Website: NIJIN