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JICA and Yokohama City Support Ukrainian Children’s Education

In a notable demonstration of international solidarity, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has collaborated with Yokohama City to send 300 refurbished laptops to support the educational needs of children in Ukraine, where ongoing conflict has severely disrupted their schooling. This initiative, which involved cooperation with the electronics retailer Nojima Corporation and the non-profit organization Muku PC Workshop, aims to ensure that Ukrainian children can continue their education remotely, even as traditional classrooms are inaccessible due to the war.

On May 22, 2023, these 300 used laptops were shipped from Japan to Odesa, a sister city of Yokohama, signaling a commitment to uphold educational continuity for over 1.9 million Ukrainian children affected by the crisis. According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Education, more than 3,500 schools have been destroyed since the onset of the war in February 2022, leaving many children unable to attend classes. Despite efforts by the Ministry to set up online education environments and call for assistance from international organizations and private companies, around 320,000 children still lack access to education. Currently, there is a significant shortfall of approximately 2,000 computers required for educational purposes in Odesa.

Background of the Project

In the winter of 2023, a delegation from Ukraine, including the Vice Minister of Education, visited Japan and showed keen interest in the recycling of used PCs, requesting potential education support through donations. Following this visit, Yokohama City recognized the computer shortages in the educational sector of Odesa while continuing its recovery and reconstruction efforts for the sister city. Through a partnership with JICA aimed at supporting Ukraine, they identified this pressing issue.

JICA, in partnership with Yokohama City and with strong backing from Nojima Corporation, coordinated the logistics for this project. The initiative highlights the effective collaboration between government entities and private sectors to address critical needs in the education sector impacted by the war.

Project Details

1. Collection of Used PCs (Nojima Corporation)
Nojima Corporation, a major electronics retailer operating mainly in Yokohama, collected approximately 300 used laptops to donate for refurbishment.

2. Refurbishment (NPO Muku PC Workshop)
Muku PC Workshop, which employs people with disabilities who face challenges in the workforce, provides a platform for them to improve their skills through the repair and refurbishment of computers. This includes repairs and the installation of ChromeOS Flex to optimize the devices for local use in Ukraine.

3. Shipping
The shipment began on May 22, 2025, and was coordinated with Yokohama City, alongside the donation of 1,000 capsule toys from the East Japan Disaster Employment, Education, and Health Support Organization, aimed at brightening the day of children in Odesa.

Each refurbished laptop will enable its recipient to participate in online classes, access learning materials, receive guidance from teachers, connect with friends, and take graduation exams. This project endeavors to protect the education of children facing adversity and offers hope for a brighter future. It exemplifies how collaboration among governmental bodies (JICA and Yokohama City), private enterprises (Nojima Corporation), and civil society (NPO Muku PC Workshop) can result in profound impacts during times of crisis.

The refurbishment activity at Muku PC Workshop illustrates the ongoing commitment to providing opportunities for vulnerable communities, enhancing their skills while contributing positively to the global cause of educational equity.

For more information about JICA and its initiatives, please visit JICA's official website.