Creating Safe Spaces for Children: Workshops at Bunkyo Gakuin University

Bunkyo Gakuin University, under the leadership of President Tsutomu Fukui, is set to hold a series of public workshops centered around the theme of "Creating Safe Spaces for Children" on May 31 and June 7, 2023, at its Fujimino Campus. The workshops will be led by Professor Hironori Kimura, who specializes in educational philosophy and educational studies in the Faculty of Human Development, and Professor Manabu Kimura, an expert in environmental education and child studies.

Background of the Workshops

In recent years, Bunkyo Gakuin University has been actively involved in initiatives aimed at creating safe spaces for children, including operating a candy shop in vacant retail spaces near its Fujimino Campus. Alongside these efforts, the university has also supported the screening of documentaries, such as "The Dreaming Elementary School" and "The Time of YumePa," which address the importance of children's safe spaces. The practical examples highlighted in these films, such as the "Kinokuni Children's Village Academy" and the "Kawasaki City Child Dream Park (Free Space En)," have resonated with many parents and prompted discussions on utilizing local parks and public facilities for creating such spaces.

The goal of these workshops is to foster a community dialogue about local schools and the creation of spaces for children, ultimately seeking solutions to social challenges. The first session will discuss how to restructure schools as safe spaces, particularly addressing the issue of rising school absenteeism, while the second session will explore the significance of play in children's lives.

Overview of the Workshops

Both sessions will take place at the Bunkyo Gakuin University, Fujimino Campus, in Classroom W113:

- Location: 1196 Kamekubo, Fujimino City, Saitama Prefecture
- Time: 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM on both dates
- Capacity: 30 participants per session
- Registration URL: Register Here
- Participation Fee: Free

For inquiries regarding the workshops, please contact the Social Collaboration Promotion Office at Bunkyo Gakuin University (Email: [email protected]).

Workshop Details

Session 1: Creating Safe Spaces in Schools (May 31)

Instructor: Professor Hironori Kimura, Faculty of Human Development (Specialty: Educational Studies and Philosophy)
In a time when the need for safe spaces for children has never been more pressing, this first session will delve into the realities of the current education system, often criticized for its inability to provide safety and support for all students. Participants will engage in discussions on what constitutes a safe space and how we can successfully restructure schools to meet the needs of all children.

Session 2: Safe Spaces and Play (June 7)

Instructor: Professor Manabu Kimura, Faculty of Human Development (Specialty: Environmental Education and Child Studies)
In this interactive session, participants will reflect on their own childhood experiences while focusing on the theme of play. The discourse will revolve around what a safe space means for children and how play acts as a fundamental component in providing comfort and security in their developmental years. Professor Manabu Kimura emphasizes that the concept of a "safe space" often becomes apparent only when it is lacking, leading to an intriguing examination of the essence of these spaces.

Meet the Instructors

Professor Hironori Kimura
Hironori Kimura completed his doctoral studies at the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Education. He has served as a high school social studies teacher and an associate professor at a university before his current position. His research focuses on educational philosophy and systems, delving into questions about the essence of education and society itself. He is also engaged in creating learning spaces that connect the university with the community, among other initiatives. More about Professor Hironori

Professor Manabu Kimura
After completing his doctoral coursework at the Tokyo Gakugei University Graduate School, Manabu Kimura has worked in various educational roles, including supporting elementary schools in Tokyo and conducting research at a university. His research revolves around environmental education and the play experiences of children. Recently, he has focused on how children connect with the environment through play, asking critical questions about what a safe space looks like in a child's daily life. More about Professor Manabu

These workshops are an important opportunity not only for parents and educators but also for anyone interested in the well-being and development of children in our communities. Together, let's explore how we can create safe and nurturing spaces for our future generation.