International Cooperation Started by 7 University Students: Certified NPO PLAS Holds 20th Anniversary Event
Certified NPO PLAS, founded in 2005 by seven university students, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with an event on April 18, 2026. The organization began by supporting AIDS orphans in Africa and has since expanded its focus to broader challenges faced by African children. The event will reflect on PLAS's achievements, discuss future international cooperation, and introduce new initiatives.
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- 📰 Published: April 3, 2026 at 01:30
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The Origin of PLAS: A Meeting of 7 University Students
PLAS was established in 2005 by seven university students at the time.
The catalyst was their encounter with children orphaned by AIDS during volunteer activities in Africa.
At that time, children orphaned by AIDS faced not only the sorrow of losing their parents but also groundless prejudice and discrimination, such as "infection by touch" or "their parents died of AIDS because they did bad things in a previous life," leading to their isolation within their communities. These children faced numerous difficulties, including being denied schooling even in the families that took them in.
Witnessing this reality, PLAS's activities began with the desire to "do something about the situation of these children."
Currently, PLAS addresses challenges faced by African children more broadly, not limited to AIDS orphans.
A Commemorative Event to Reflect on the Past and Consider the Future Together
This event will not only look back at past activities but also serve as a forum to collectively consider the future of international cooperation and child support.
On the day of the event, we will report on our progress and achievements, and also introduce our future challenges. There will also be a networking session where participants can share their thoughts and insights.
Not only those who have supported PLAS so far, but also those interested in international cooperation and child support are welcome to participate.
Event Outline
PLAS 20th Anniversary Event ~Connecting, Expanding, Creating the Future~
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Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026, 13:30~16:00 (Doors open at 13:00)
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Capacity: 70 people (first-come, first-served)
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Admission: Free
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Venue: SOOO dramatic! (Tokyo)
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Program:
■Part 1 (13:30~16:00)
1. Opening
2. 20th Anniversary Talk Session
3. About the Future of PLAS and New Challenges
4. Group Networking Time
5. Closing
■Part 2 (16:00~16:30)
Social Gathering (optional participation)
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Registration: Pre-registration required
Recommended for people who...
"Are interested in Africa"
"Are interested in international cooperation and NGO activities"
"Want to know the reality of 20 years of international cooperation"
If you have such interests, please join us. First-time participants at PLAS events are also very welcome.
About Certified NPO PLAS
PLAS is a certified NPO working to create a society where marginalized children can live positively. Since its establishment in 2005, with a policy of "creating" support rather than "giving" support, it has been engaged in parent-child support projects that help children and their families in the "last mile" where support is difficult to reach, sexual education projects to prevent premature pregnancies and births, and organizational capacity building projects for local partner organizations.
Organization Overview
Organization Name: Certified NPO PLAS
Location: Tokyo
Representative Director: Ruiko Kadota
Established: 2005