Two Projects Participate in the National Summit of the 'National High School My Project Award'

FoundingBase Inc. (Headquarters: Setagaya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Kenji Yamamoto; hereinafter "FoundingBase"), which co-creates community development projects with approximately 30 local governments nationwide, announced on March 21 that two projects from public cram schools operated by its education division participated in the National Summit of the "National High School My Project Award" (hosted by certified NPO Katariba) held in Tokyo.

During the three-day event, students presented their project contents and engaged in discussions with high school students gathered from all over the country.

What is the National High School My Project Award?

The National High School My Project Award* is Japan's largest learning festival where high school students present projects they have undertaken on social issues, everyday problems, or their own interests.

48 projects that passed the video screening and regional Summit Advanced gathered, and each student shared the results of their inquiry-based projects and engaged in exchanges.

* The National High School My Project Award® is a registered trademark of certified NPO Katariba (Registration 5758300/5758304/6527881)

What is the "School Uniform Skirt Design Project for Easy Toilet Use"?

The "School Uniform Skirt Design Project for Easy Toilet Use" started from a student's interest in exploring the intersection of fashion and welfare.

Inspired by a comment seen online, "Clothes for people with disabilities are not fashionable," the student conducted online interviews with five companies designing clothing for people with disabilities.

As a result, they learned that many companies are challenging themselves to create fashionable clothes for people with disabilities.

From there, they turned their attention to the familiar theme of "school uniforms" and visited Ube General Support School, where uniforms had recently been updated.

While investigating why many students wore tracksuits for school life, they encountered the comment, "School uniform skirts make it difficult to use the toilet."

"We want to realize the right for everyone to wear a school uniform."

With this thought, the project officially began.

With advice from cooperating adults, they challenged themselves to create prototype skirts. Despite struggling with sewing, which they were not good at, they focused on aspects such as "how the skirt goes up," "effort required," and "neatness when putting it back," and made repeated improvements.

The completed prototypes are continuously being improved based on feedback from teachers at the support school and staff at Mine City Learning Space, aiming for even better skirts.

[Student's Comment]

When I pursued what I wanted to do, people around me became interested and supported me.

Also, participating in My Project gave me advice and feedback from various people, which was a great stimulus.

At the National Summit, listening to other projects, I was dazzled by their unique ideas and their ability to say they had "done everything they could."

I want to continue this project and realize a school uniform skirt design that makes it "easy to use the toilet" for everyone.

About the "What do you want to do with Aso Sea? ~Unraveling from oyster shells gushing out in Amanohashidate~" Project

The "What do you want to do with Aso Sea? ~Unraveling from oyster shells gushing out in Amanohashidate~" project aimed to change the environmental awareness of local residents regarding Aso Sea.

When the project started, they were engaged in activities to raise awareness and disseminate information about the removal of oyster shells accumulated in Aso Sea. However, a single comment from an expert led them to focus on the perspective of "what kind of Aso Sea do we want to create?"

Through the Aso Sea Festa and lectures at elementary schools, they realized the importance of careful dialogue with local people, and have since held sessions with citizens and events for children.

[Student's Comment]

I learned so much from this project. What was particularly impressive throughout was looking back at myself and confronting my own being.

At the National Summit, while I keenly felt my own insignificance, I also became more strongly and deeply aware of my strength in balance. I also met wonderful friends who have developed various projects across the country.

I felt an even stronger need to consider organization and stages, so I want to continue the project and think about and execute concrete actions and plans.

About the Cross-Base Project "Accel"

"Accel" is a project by FoundingBase Inc. that supports inquiry-based learning activities for junior and senior high school students, transcending the boundaries of public cram schools and educational business bases nationwide.

Students engaged in inquiry-based activities aiming for national competitions connect across regions and schools, honing their projects through friendly competition.

Accel provides support to deepen the inquiry process itself through: - Online meetings involving students and mentors nationwide - Secretariat functions that share knowledge and know-how gained from past My Project Award participations - Continuous accompaniment at each base

This participation in the National Summit was an achievement realized not only through accompaniment at each base but also through Accel's cross-base support system.

Future Outlook

The regions we are involved with face challenges such as "absence of familiar role models" and "limited environments for friendly competition" for junior and senior high school students. On the other hand, the "proximity of regional resources" and "warmth of the community" are attractive, making them excellent environments for promoting inquiry-based activities.

This year, 14 junior and senior high school students from 6 bases nationwide, including the two who participated in the national competition, joined "Accel." They have been honing their skills through regular online meetings.

In this year's review, comments such as, "I couldn't really talk about projects or my future with my classmates at the same high school, but I could with my Accel friends. Because there were peers working hard like me, I could also work hard," were heard.

We plan to continue "Accel," which leverages the benefits of multiple bases, to foster "people who think for themselves, act, and create the future" in the community.

Inquiries regarding this release

FoundingBase Inc. Accel Operations Office

Email: ed_accel@foundingbase.jp

FoundingBase Inc. Company Profile

At FoundingBase, with the vision of "co-creating regional value and providing regional options," we establish bases in regions, immerse ourselves in them, and work with local communities to create towns.

We don't just draw up business plans and proposals; we co-create unique regional values and solve regional challenges through operation.

Head Office: 2-25-7 Daita, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 155-0032, Shimokitazawa Hills 1 Representative: Kenji Yamamoto, Representative Director Established: February 2014

HP: https://foundingbase.jp Business Activities: - Planning and operation of city promotion

- Planning and operation of co-working facilities and telework facilities

- Planning and operation of high school revitalization and public cram schools

- Planning and operation of tourist accommodation facilities

- Operation of roadside stations and support for primary industries

- Local government consulting

- Employee recruitment support

- Other activities related to "regional co-creation" in general