#India #Indore #Social Innovation #Kawai Juku

Discover the Essence of Social Innovation in India

From August 3 to 10, 2025, Kawai Juku Group is set to host a unique exploratory program titled "Social Innovation in India" for middle and high school students. This initiative marks the first overseas exploration trip of its kind, immersing participants in the vibrant culture and pressing social issues of India, particularly in the city of Indore, known as a hub for education and industry.

A Journey Beyond Tourism

Unlike typical tourist experiences, this program focuses on genuine Indian cultural immersion and engagement with local high school students. By living together, participants will share meals and learn directly about pressing issues such as environmental challenges like water pollution and waste management. These experiences aim to instill a deep understanding of social concerns in a country that is simultaneously witnessing rapid economic growth.

India, with the largest population in the world and an average age about 20 years younger than Japan, is a land of diversity. Its multifaceted society comprises numerous ethnicities and languages, and it is a leader in cutting-edge technological advancements, especially in the IT sector. However, the urban landscape grapples with significant problems, including severe water pollution, exacerbated by underdeveloped infrastructure and industrial expansion. The trip provides students with an opportunity to directly confront these dual sides of modern India—its progress and its challenges.

Engaging with Social Challenges

During the visit, participants will explore Indore, a city recognized as a model of environmental innovation and continuous improvement, having ranked first in the Clean City Index for seven consecutive years. They will interact with local NGOs actively addressing the issues of water quality and engage with municipal leaders who are working to enhance public transportation using advanced technology.

In addition to field interactions, students will tour prestigious institutions like the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM). Here, participants will delve into the realities of social issues through dialogue with local residents and peers, learning to view these challenges through the lens of social innovation—essentially a process to instigate societal change.

A Unique Living and Learning Experience

The partner institution for this initiative is the Choithram International School in Indore, where students will experience life as a local. Participants will stay in dormitories and engage in extensive exchanges with their Indian counterparts. The school's progressive educational approach includes varied programs focusing on interdisciplinary learning, experiential education, and TEDx initiatives, illustrating the global perspective of the curriculum.

Moreover, the program will feature TEDx presentations, enabling students to articulate their perspectives and collaborate on potential solutions to social issues. Daily activities will encompass cultural exchanges and extracurricular experiences designed to provide insight into the richer, nuanced aspects of Indian society—not the sanitized version often seen by tourists.

By engaging with the local youth, students will gain firsthand experience navigating language and cultural barriers, discovering shared human experiences that resonate deeply across borders. This opportunity allows them to connect personal aspirations and viewpoints with global challenges, cultivating empathy and understanding.

Program Details

• - Dates: August 3 (Sun) – August 10 (Sun), 2025; 6 nights, 8 days

- Includes 5 nights at Choithram International School's dormitory

• - Target Audience: Middle and high school students (an English proficiency equivalent to EIKEN Grade 2 is recommended)
• - Participation Fee: 390,000 JPY (tax included) with additional costs for airport fees and fuel surcharges estimated at roughly 50,000 JPY
• - Meeting Point: Haneda Airport, Tokyo
• - Visit Locations: Delhi, Indore
• - Capacity: 8 participants (first-come, first-served); minimum of 4 required

Conclusion

Through the “Social Innovation in India” program, young learners will encounter the burning social issues of our time, urging them to reflect on their futures and belief systems. This unique exploration embodies the spirit of Kawai Juku's mission, merging global citizenship with tangible learning experiences to cultivate the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.

For inquiries or to apply for this transformative experience, please visit our online application form or contact us directly. Join us in this incredible journey to meet the future head-on!