#Japan #Financial Education #Sekisui House #Hyogo #Local Bento

Engaging Workshops for Future Leaders

The Japan Financial Education Support Organization (JFE) is excited to announce a unique opportunity for primary school students this summer. In collaboration with Sekisui House, the JFE is hosting educational workshops titled "Kids, Are You Ready for the Challenge? Create a Local Bento that Becomes a Hit!" in Yabu and Awaji cities, Hyogo Prefecture. This initiative aims to deepen children's understanding of local business and finance through hands-on experiences.

What is the Workshop About?

Designed for elementary school students, the workshop allows participants to engage in creating their own "local bento". Through this process, they will learn the basics of running a business—covering aspects like pricing, product sourcing, and marketing strategies. It not only aims to teach financial concepts but also to instill a sense of pride and understanding of their community’s resources.

The workshop is part of Sekisui House's Matching Program, which supports initiatives enhancing children’s happiness and education while promoting regional development. For the upcoming fiscal year of 2025, this program has selected 51 organizations and their projects, among which the JFE’s workshop stands out for its innovative blend of experiential finance education and community engagement.

City Leaders Support the Initiative

Both Yabu city’s Mayor, Kenichi Obayashi, and Awaji city’s Mayor, Atsudai Toda, have voiced strong support for the workshops. Mayor Obayashi emphasized the importance of understanding financial and economic systems and expressed hope that participants would not only gain financial knowledge but also appreciate the charm of Yabu city. Mayor Toda welcomed the kids to Awaji city, highlighting that learning about local resources would make the experience invaluable and help foster their connection to the area.

The Benefits of Local Knowledge

This initiative aligns with Sekisui House’s broader goals under the Matching Program—promoting local happiness by nurturing children and supporting environmental and community revitalization efforts. The company’s Trip Base initiative aims to bolster local economies through tourism and education, linking visitors with authentic cultural and culinary experiences.

The workshops will be held on two separate days in August 2025:
1. Yabu City: August 17, 2025, 14:00 – 16:00 at Yabu Civic Exchange Plaza (40 participants)
2. Awaji City: August 24, 2025, 13:00 – 16:00 at Awaji City Sunshine Hall Gallery (40 participants)

Both events are free of charge for participants.

New Features in This Year’s Program

Building on last year's successful events, which included hands-on agricultural experiences and local products, this year's workshops will incorporate new activities designed for older students to assist younger ones. High schoolers interested in regional revitalization will act as mentors, fostering collaboration and support across grades. This marks the first attempt at involving high school students in such a capacity, helping younger students discover the uniqueness of Yabu city while providing the older students with valuable teaching experiences.

Upon completion, participating high schoolers can utilize their experiences to create short educational videos for a contest organized by the JFE, reinforcing their learning and generating engaging educational content.

Through this collaborative learning environment, elementary students will uncover the treasures of their region, while high school tutors gain practical insights into problem-solving and fostering community resilience.

Future Outlook

The JFE aims to develop a sustainable system for continuous engagement, working alongside local businesses and administration to enhance financial literacy and boost community development. This innovative model is expected to proliferate across other municipalities, establishing a foundation for long-lasting educational and revitalization efforts.

Special Accommodation Offer: Participants attending these workshops will receive exclusive discounts at Fairfield by Marriott, allowing families to connect further with the region while enjoying comfortable accommodations.

Join us in empowering the next generation! Dive into this enriching experience this summer and be part of nurturing community leaders who understand and appreciate their local economies.

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Event Information

• - Event Name: Kids, Are You Ready for the Challenge? Create a Local Bento that Becomes a Hit!
• - Eligibility: Elementary students accompanied by guardians
• - Location: Yabu City and Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture
• - Organizer: Japan Financial Education Support Organization