Shiseido Children's Foundation Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Child Welfare Overseas Training Program

The Shiseido Children's Foundation conducts the "Shiseido Child Welfare Overseas Training" for mid-level staff at child welfare facilities to learn about global child welfare practices. Since the first training in fiscal year 1972, the program has been conducted in 20 countries, with a cumulative total of over 750 participants. Graduates play key roles in various fields, ranging from practical site operations to regional cooperation and policy formation.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary in 2025, a special website has been launched to summarize the program's achievements and social significance. By visualizing the changes and impacts brought to the field, the foundation reaffirms the importance of nurturing talent in child welfare and aims to contribute to the further development of child welfare in Japan.

About the special website:

It features interview videos with program graduates and facility directors, the training flow (from pre-training to overseas travel and post-return follow-up), and survey results, showcasing how the training benefits personal growth, facilities, and local communities. In conjunction with the launch, the foundation has begun accepting applications for the 51st "Shiseido Child Welfare Overseas Training."

Bridging global research and Japanese field practice:

Driven by the philosophy of "nurturing those who nurture children," this program has been independently continued for over 50 years, starting in the 1970s when global knowledge was scarce in Japan. Participants travel abroad to gain global perspectives and study systems of child protection and social care, as well as the latest research findings. Upon returning, they report to related agencies such as the Children and Families Agency, disseminating what they have learned to the broader field.

Another key feature is the long-lasting professional network formed among participants. These connections across various types of facilities foster regional cooperation and practical advancements. The program supports a new step for mid-level staff to encounter global knowledge and bring it back to Japanese sites.

Survey Overview:

An assessment to understand the impact of the training on individuals and facilities. - Target: 455 program graduates and 1,255 facility directors. - Responses: 118 graduates (25.9% response rate) and 397 directors (31.6% response rate). - Period: September 2025.

Survey Summary:

Impact on Program Graduates: - 98% felt the training influenced their life or career. - 79% experienced an expanded perspective, and 75% gained motivation through professional networking. - 73% showed increased motivation for work, and 64% expressed a desire to continue working in child welfare.

Impact on Facilities (Director responses): - 96% assessed the training as having a positive impact on their facility. - 88% noted changes or improvements in internal communication. - 93% stated they would recommend this training to their staff.