New Learning Coupon Program Launched for Single-Parent Families in Nerima

New Learning Coupon Program for Single-Parent Families in Nerima Ward

Nerima Ward has announced a new initiative aimed at supporting educational opportunities for single-parent families starting October 1st. This program introduces a coupon-based subsidy system for registered tutoring services and home instructors, highlighted by the recent `needs survey` which revealed that 60% of single-parent households face challenges related to education and academic performance.

With a high relative poverty rate amongst single-parent families, this initiative is designed to ensure that children do not miss out on diverse learning experiences due to financial constraints. It forms part of the ongoing `Children's Experience Disparity Elimination Project`, which is dedicated to providing learning and parental experiences to those in need.

Program Overview

- Target Audience: Approximately 1,800 households residing in Nerima that receive child-rearing allowances, specifically for middle school 1st and 2nd graders, or high school 1st and 2nd graders.
- Subsidy Limits: Up to 100,000 yen for middle school students and 150,000 yen for high school students.
- Validity Period: The coupons will be valid from October 1st, 2025, until March 31st, 2026. Note that there will be a review process for eligibility lasting 1-2 weeks.
- Eligible Expenses: This financial aid can cover tuition, study materials, examination fees, winter courses, etc.
- Application Process: Interested families can apply through a dedicated form. Notifications regarding the program were sent to eligible households on July 11th.

Supporting Single-Parent Families

The `Single-Parent Family Self-Support Project` initiated in FY 2025, aims to provide comprehensive support in `livelihood, employment, and child-rearing` for single-parent families facing higher rates of relative poverty. This initiative includes 28 different programs, which is the highest number among the 23 wards in Tokyo, offering services such as moving cost subsidies and home-based learning support.

Among the elements of this project, the focus on child-rearing actively recognizes the necessity of assisting families in achieving opportunities for diverse experiences. The services under this initiative include the `Learning Coupon Program`, `Home-Based Learning Support`, and `Parental Experience Support`, all designed to counterbalance the adverse impact of economic hardships on children’s learning and experiences.

The motivation for this extensive support comes from the results of the FY 2025 `Needs Survey` conducted among single-parent families. It highlighted that 60% of these households struggle with educational and academic issues, while 40% report insufficient time spent with their children—both figures representing an increase of over 10 points compared to a similar survey in FY 2016.

Home-Based Learning Support

This service involves learning support staff visiting the homes to help establish study habits and reinforce basic academic skills, as well as addressing concerns from children and parents alike.

Parental Experience Support

Throughout the year, various recreational events like day trips and harvesting experiences at local farms are organized to enhance family bonding and provide enjoyable activities.

Moreover, the `Children's Experience Disparity Elimination Project` is currently seeking donations to continue funding these valuable services. Support us in helping bridge the gap of experience for children in need! For more details on the donation menu, check out the Furusato Tax external site.