Exploring the Impact of the Change Maker Study Program on Youth and Community Development

Uncovering Value: The Change Maker Study Program's Impact

On April 12, 2026, a unique gathering took place in Tokyo, featuring 20 individuals who participated in a youth development initiative known as the Change Maker Study Program (CMSP). This program, operated by the certified NPO SET, aims to facilitate meaningful interactions between youth and local communities. With over 1,500 participants since its inception in 2013, the CMSP has fostered significant personal and community values. Participants a diverse range of experiences created a vibrant atmosphere to reflect on their journeys and insights during the Change Makers' DAY (CMD).

What Unfolded During the Event

The two-hour event commenced with a group workshop focused on uncovering the values brought forth by the CMSP. Participants engaged in discussions about the program’s influence on themselves, their peers, and their towns. The interaction allowed participants—current staff, alumni, and active members—to reflect on the meaning of CMSP in their lives. It became an essential space to articulate values that had often gone unspoken.

In the latter part of the CMD, a panel discussion showcased two alumni who shared their experiences and discussed how CMSP's lessons still resonate in their professional lives. The theme, “How CMSP Experiences Influence Our Current Actions,” drew poignant narratives of how past insights and relationships cultivated during the program continue to shape their values and actions today. One participant encapsulated this sentiment perfectly, stating, “I felt the connection between CMSP and my life anew, and I want to carry it forward.” This remark highlighted a collective desire to not let the past remain confined to mere memory but to leverage it as a guiding force in the present.

Taking Action on the Desire to Engage

The CMD was not just a moment of reflection; it marked a transition towards action. Many participants expressed interest in further involvement with CMSP, whether through staff positions, involvement in other SET projects, or community outreach efforts. This enthusiasm signifies a branching out of engagement opportunities and a shift towards sustained involvement with the program.

SET firmly believes in cultivating lasting relationships rather than just offering one-time experiences. The CMD functioned as a pivotal platform to articulate these connections clearly and to foster them into future endeavors. As this initiative has been held biannually, it will be exciting to witness how the expressed intentions from CMD relate to tangible actions in their communities.

Stay Updated with SET's Activities

SET maintains active communication through its social media platforms, providing weekly updates on participant reflections and a broad range of activities. Interested individuals are encouraged to stay connected:

About NPO SET

Founded in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake, NPO SET's mission is to transform each individual's aspirations into reality, igniting positive changes for the future of Japan. Primarily serving the Iwate Prefecture, SET has created a framework where youths and community members learn from each other through homestays, university and societal programs, and community development activities. For the fiscal year 2024, SET anticipates over 5,000 participants, expanding from Iwate into other regions. The initiative seeks to generate simultaneous growth for both youth and community vitality by establishing sustainable relationships that serve as a foundation for regional development. Notably, SET has received accolades, including two Cabinet Prime Minister’s Awards.

Organization Overview

- Name: Certified Non-Profit Organization SET
- Location: 52-6 Yamada, Hirota-cho, Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture
- Chairperson: Shunsuke Mitsui
- Established: March 12, 2011 (Certification obtained: June 18, 2013, Recognition obtained: October 16, 2025)
- Official Website: SET Official Site
- Official Podcast: Spotify | Amazon Music