Introduction to Menstruation Education
A collaboration between ARROWS Co., Ltd. and Kracie Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. has led to the development of an innovative educational tool titled
"Let's Learn About Menstruation Together". Starting from July 31, this program aims to equip middle school students with essential knowledge about menstruation, including its biological basics and associated discomforts.
As discussions surrounding menstruation are often stigmatized, this initiative strives to encourage students to view the topic as a significant personal and communal subject. By fostering understanding and empathy towards both themselves and others, the program aims to make menstruation a topic that sparks curiosity and care.
Curriculum Overview
The newly developed material targets first-year middle school students, focusing on health and personal development. The curriculum is designed to fit into a single class session of approximately 50 minutes. The structure includes:
- - Worksheets to assess initial understanding
- - Video lessons explaining the menstrual cycle, pain, and general inconveniences
- - Discussion points on personal coping methods and considerations for those around them
This comprehensive approach encourages students to frame menstruation not only as a biological function but as a shared experience that demands understanding and kindness.
Integrating Traditional Medicine
Drawing on over half a century of experience in offering diverse solutions for women's health issues, Kracie has included insights into the use of traditional herbal medicine within the curriculum. As part of this program, students will discover coping methods that include the benefits of
Kampo (Japanese herbal medicine). By juxtaposing Eastern and Western medical perspectives, students can explore various approaches to managing menstruation and related symptoms.
Background for Development
A survey conducted by ARROWS targeting 400 male and female middle and high school students indicated a strong demand for education on menstrual pain management—nearly half of the female respondents expressed a desire to learn more about coping mechanisms, while a significant number of male respondents showed interest in understanding how to empathize with their peers during menstruation. Educators identified the need for lessons that are engaging and relatable rather than purely informational.
Hence, this initiative aims to foster compassion and proactive understanding regarding menstruation, making it an essential part of health education in middle schools. The program is not only informative but empowers students to recognize effective management techniques, including the relevance of Kampo amongst other modern solutions.
Material Components
The educational package includes:
- - Lesson slides
- - Instructional videos
- - Worksheets for hands-on understanding
- - Guides for lesson planning and execution
- - Summary documents and communication templates for parents
About SENSEI YONONAKA GAKU
ARROWS also boasts a unique program called
SENSEI YONONAKA GAKU, which aims to provide teachers across Japan with original classroom materials that connect students with contemporary societal issues. Through collaborations with leading corporations, ARROWS seeks to convert the latest knowledge into educational experiences suitable for young learners.
About ARROWS and Kracie
ARROWS operates under the mission of
"Addressing global challenges and embodying intelligence." They aim to transform education by prioritizing the needs of teachers and students alike while maintaining a focus on sustainablity and impact. Simultaneously, Kracie has built a reputation as a stalwart in traditional medicine, continuously adapting to modern health values while ensuring comprehensive care for individuals throughout Japan.
Through the combined expertise of these two companies, the
"Let's Learn About Menstruation Together" curriculum presents an important step forward in health education, empowering future generations with knowledge, sensitivity, and practical tools for managing an essential aspect of life.