#Japan #Tokyo #scholarship #Good Design #Pal System

Pal System Wins the 2025 Good Design Award

Pal System Cooperative Union, headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has recently been honored with the coveted 2025 Good Design Award for its 'Pal System Scholarship Program.' The award, presented by the Japan Design Promotion Organization, recognizes the program's unique approach to supporting students through a combination of financial aid and holistic support.

The Pal System Scholarship, known as the Young People's Support Fund, offers recipients a monthly stipend of 40,000 yen as well as personalized support that goes beyond mere economic assistance. This 'accompanying support' model includes not only financial aid but also comprehensive lifestyle consultations and programs aimed at enriching the students' overall well-being.

A Holistic Approach to Student Support

The assessment highlighted by the Good Design Award judges noted that the program is particularly commendable for its thoughtful engagement with scholarship students. It provides them with social experiences and various opportunities that foster personal growth outside the academic realm. For instance, students have the chance to participate in farming and volunteering initiatives through Pal System's partnerships with local producers, which helps broaden their perspectives and build connections with diverse communities.

A portion of the donations collected for the scholarship is utilized to support the activities of organizations that provide this accompanying support. Funding mainly comes from the members of the cooperative system, which has cumulatively benefited 97 students since its inception in 2020. As of the fiscal year 2024, a total of 5,376,520 yen has been raised, amounting to a grand total of 200,997,297 yen.

Recognition from Design Experts

The judging panel of the Good Design Award provided compelling feedback, emphasizing the growing demand and necessity for scholarship programs amidst unstable socio-economic conditions. They pointed to Pal System's robust network with its customers, which perfectly aligns with its fundraising capability and sustainability in operations. The judges underscored that through collaborations with local organizations, Pal System can effectively support the mental and physical wellness of students, offering tailored advice that addresses the unique challenges faced by students from impoverished backgrounds.

This scholarship initiative is designed with a clear goal: to help students secure stable employment upon graduation. The approach is an exceptionally structured response addressing the students' needs, thereby contributing significantly to their overall development.

Good Design Exhibition 2025

The achievements of this scholarship program will be showcased at the upcoming 'GOOD DESIGN EXHIBITION 2025' from November 1 to 5 in Roppongi, at Tokyo Midtown. This exhibition will present all award-winning works for the year, signifying their importance in enhancing the quality of life and addressing societal issues through design.

About Pal System

Pal System operates under the motto 'Creating a society of rich living and coexistence,' actively tackling not just issues related to food safety and environmental conservation but also pressing social challenges like education and poverty. Through various initiatives, they aim to translate every individual's 'small actions' into profound social contributions.

For more information, you can visit their relevant links:

• - Youth Learning and Support
• - Pal System Young People’s Support Fund
• - KOKOCARA: Information Media of Pal System

About the Good Design Award

Established in 1957, the Good Design Award is a prestigious evaluation and promotional activity for design in Japan. It draws participation from numerous organizations both domestically and internationally, aiming to leverage design as a tool for addressing societal issues and enhancing living standards. Known for its symbolic 'G Mark,' the Good Design Award recognizes outstanding designs widely appreciated in various domains.

Conclusion

As we approach 2025, a year designated as the International Cooperative Year, the recognition of the Pal System Scholarship by the Good Design Award exemplifies a pivotal shift towards more inclusive and supportive educational frameworks. By fostering a holistic environment, Pal System not only equips students for their future careers but also instills a sense of community and resilience. Their initiatives signal a promising move toward a society where each young person's aspirations can indeed be realized.