#Japan #Setagaya #World Campus #Belgium Youth #Tokyo Policies

World Campus in Belgium: A Student's Perspective on Youth Engagement

On June 1st, 2024, an insightful report session titled "World Campus in Belgium: Connecting Teens Around the Globe" will showcase the experiences of ten high school students from Tokyo. This event highlights the recently concluded program aimed at engaging youth with innovative policies regarding children's social participation in Belgium. The objective of this initiative is to emphasize how cities can be made friendlier to children.

Program Overview

Event Details

The upcoming report session will take place in the Setagaya Ward Youth Exchange Center at 14:00 JST. During this session, the participating students will share their insights gained from the trip, reflecting on their activities, personal development, and learnings from interactions with local Belgian children and visits to child-related facilities.

Schedule

• - 14:00 - Opening Remarks
• - 14:05 - Overview of the Project & Digest Video Screening
• - 14:15 - Presentations by Student Travelers on “Child-Friendly Cities”
• - 14:35 - Talk Session with Student Participants
• - 14:50 - Group Work for Opinions Exchange with Participants

The session aims to encourage dialogue on how to make urban environments more accommodating to children, drawing from the students' copious experiences during their visit.

Background

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government initiated the World Campus in Belgium in the 2024 fiscal year, allowing high school students the opportunity to explore and better understand contemporary children’s policies through real-world engagement. The program included workshops prior to their travel, resulting in an immersive learning experience over their five-day visit to Belgium. During this time, they engaged in valuable discussions, gaining insight into the country’s approach to a child-friendly society.

The students interacted with local communities, opened a channel for cultural exchange, and explored policies that advocate for children's rights and societal involvement. The initiative reflects Tokyo's commitment to implementing the 2050 Tokyo Strategy, highlighting the importance of policies aimed at children.

Participation and Media Coverage

This report session is accessible to middle and high school students residing or studying in Tokyo. For media interested in covering the event, registration is required via a designated form, ensuring they can participate in the pre-arranged media reception starting at 13:30 JST on the day of the event.

Qualified media personnel will receive guidance on appropriate coverage areas within the venue. Additionally, a portion of the event will be streamed live on YouTube, allowing broader access to the students’ presentations.

The overall initiative embodies Tokyo's strategic vision—pursuing children's perspectives in policy making as the city looks towards a promising future. By fostering a supportive environment for youth engagement, the program not only empowers students but also contributes to a broader discourse on children’s rights and societal participation.

Conclusion

Mark your calendars for this enlightening report session, where the voices of Tokyo’s young citizens will provide a unique snapshot into the reflections formed during their transformative journey to Belgium. Their experiences and insights may inspire community leaders, policymakers, and fellow students to collaborate on creating a more inclusive world for children everywhere.