A New Form of Graduation Ceremony: Preschoolers Deliver Speeches in English in Nagoya, Fostering Self-Affirmation for Future Success.

Alive International School, an English daycare operated by Alive Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture / CEO: Hiromi Mitsui), held its graduation ceremony on March 20, 2026. This ceremony has, since its founding, adopted a format where each child gives a speech recounting their memories in English, and all students receive their diplomas on stage. Furthermore, programs were implemented to embody an education that respects children as "individuals," including time for messages from current students, foreign instructors, and parents. This educational practice is gaining attention for nurturing not only English expressiveness but also non-cognitive skills such as self-affirmation and empathy.

<strong>Everyone is the Star | A Graduation Ceremony Where All Stand on Stage</strong> At Alive's graduation ceremonies, every child stands on stage annually to deliver a speech about their memories and receive their graduation diploma. Standing before a large audience is by no means easy for children. Nevertheless, the experience of each child confidently stepping forward and expressing their presence greatly fosters self-affirmation and confidence.

<strong>"Memory Speech" Delivered in English</strong> The children present their memories and feelings of gratitude as speeches in English. Memories with friends, challenges overcome, enjoyable experiences. In particular, the experience of children conveying their feelings in their own words—"I love you," "Thank you"—to their families and foreign instructors at the end serves as a crucial opportunity to cultivate not only English proficiency but also expressiveness, courage, and communication skills (non-cognitive abilities).

<strong>Respecting Children as "Individuals"</strong> One of the significant features of this graduation ceremony is the time dedicated to messages from foreign instructors and parents to the children. This moment, where instructors and family members offer words to the children, is an important occasion that recognizes and respects children not as "beings to be protected," but as "individuals." As they receive these words, children...