#Japan #Tokyo #Traffic Orphans #Scholarship Support #Educational Aid

Enhancements to the Scholarship Support System of the Traffic Orphans Fund

The Traffic Orphans Fund, a public interest foundation led by President Kenichi Ishibashi, has made a pivotal decision to expand its scholarship support system significantly. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burdens faced by orphaned students of traffic accidents, allowing them to focus on their education and aspirations. The foundation has long been committed to supporting students not only through loans and partial grants but also through various forms of financial assistance designed to help them succeed academically.

Recently, the foundation has responded to numerous requests from scholarship recipients and their families by enhancing the rent support for students living away from home. Additionally, there will be a substantial increase in the funding allocated for obtaining a driver's license, a necessity for many students today.

Key Changes to the Scholarship Support System

The modifications to the support system include:

1. Increased Rent Assistance: The monthly rent allowance for students will rise from 15,000 yen to 30,000 yen. This change is set to take effect in April 2026 (Reiwa 8).
2. Enhanced Driver’s License Allowance: The funding cap for obtaining a driver’s license will be increased from a maximum of 150,000 yen to 300,000 yen. This adjustment will be retroactively applied from April 2025 (Reiwa 7).

In addition to these enhancements, the Traffic Orphans Fund is also expanding its support for the costs associated with entrance exams for higher education and various qualifications and certification exams. These improvements are part of the foundation's mission to create an environment where students can dedicate their efforts to their studies and pursue their dreams without the stress of financial strain.

Comprehensive Overview of the Scholarship Support System

The comprehensive scholarship support system includes various financial aid options:

• - Entrance Exam Cost Assistance: Support for the costs associated with entrance exams for universities, vocational schools, graduate schools, and specialized training institutions (up to 100,000 yen).
• - Driver’s License Acquisition Cost Assistance: Financial aid for acquiring a regular driver’s license and a specific class of vehicle license (maximum 300,000 yen).
• - Testing and Qualification Examination Costs: Full coverage for costs incurred from various examinations, including English language tests (like Eiken and TOEIC), legal exams, tax accountant examinations, bookkeeping exams, real estate certification, FP, nursing, midwifery, secretary qualifications, IT-related exams, and kanji proficiency tests, without limits on the amount or number of times.
• - Rent Assistance: Support for students living in rental properties such as apartments or condominiums, providing a monthly allowance of 30,000 yen.

By increasing these allowances and expanding their support programs, the Traffic Orphans Fund is taking significant steps to ensure that orphaned students can thrive academically and prepare for successful futures. By reducing the economic burdens associated with education and related costs, the foundation is fulfilling its promise to support the dreams and ambitions of the young individuals it serves.