New Safe Spaces for Students: 'Toyohashi Hidamari Space' Opened

## New Safe Spaces for Students: 'Toyohashi Hidamari Space' Opened

On May 12, the Toyohashi City Board of Education launched 'Toyohashi Hidamari Space' at three locations across the city, providing a safe haven where elementary and junior high school students who struggle to attend school can spend time under the watchful eyes of local adults.

The goal is to create a warm, sunny environment that gently encourages children to take the first step toward going out.

Facilities are currently located at the Eastern and Northern Lifelong Learning Centers. Starting June 1, 2026, a new space will also be established at the city's animal welfare center, 'Aikuru.'

Students from 1st to 9th grade living or attending school in Toyohashi are eligible to use the facilities. They can engage in learning and activities at their own pace based on their interests. All three locations are open from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, and students are free to arrive and spend time according to their own needs.

### Features of 'Toyohashi Hidamari Space'

A key feature is that local adults who are accustomed to working with children act as 'mentors,' providing a warm and supportive presence.

At the 'Aikuru' animal welfare center, support takes a new perspective by incorporating interactions with dogs and cats. This is expected to help reduce stress, stabilize emotions, alleviate loneliness, and elicit smiles from children. The Board of Education notes, 'For children who find it difficult to leave home, we hope this acts as an incentive to step outside, if only to visit the animals.'

Additionally, educational counselors and social workers will make rounds to support families and provide consultations for parents.

### Usage Guidelines

Usage of Hidamari Space is free, but registration must be completed by the day before. Attendance at the space counts as attendance at school.

Students travel to the facilities via parent drop-off, bus, or train. Junior high students may cycle, provided they strictly wear helmets. For elementary students commuting outside their school district, guardian accompaniment is mandatory. Students should bring self-study materials such as tablets or books, and a water bottle.

### Background of Establishment

According to a 2024 survey, the number of non-attending students in Toyohashi reached 597 at the elementary level and 796 at the junior high level. This is approximately three times higher for elementary and twice as high for junior high compared to fiscal 2019. The Board of Education has previously established 'Yell Rooms' and 'Toyohashi Hot Plazas' to support students. This new project was launched as a new option in response to calls for more diverse learning environments.