Children Living in Garbage Dumps and Cemeteries Visit Japan for the First Time. DAREDEMO HERO Launches Crowdfunding for 2026 Japan Study Tour on July 1

Daily Lives of Children Growing Up in Garbage Dumps and Cemeteries

Children living in garbage dumps and cemeteries attend the learning centers operated by DAREDEMO HERO. The scenery they have seen every day since birth is vastly different from that of children in Japan.

Massive amounts of garbage brought in daily. Other people's bodies brought in with every funeral. Large numbers of flies and unsanitary living conditions.

Most children rarely have the opportunity to go outside their local area, let alone ride on an airplane.

This is precisely why the experience of seeing the world itself can be a catalyst for changing the children's lives.

Children living in cemeteries Children living in garbage dumps

Learning center children making their first trip to Japan

This year's Japan study tour will include 4 scholarship students aiming for university, plus 3 children from the learning center who are participating for the first time. These 3 children have continued to study at the learning center and persevere despite living in garbage dumps and cemeteries.

Beautiful cityscapes. Cutting-edge science and technology. Encounters with people from all over the world.

The experiences gained in Japan will extend not only to each child's life but also to their families and communities.

MckholeenAnika and her family giving a speech in English

Japan Study Tour to Convey "The World is Vast"

DAREDEMO HERO has been conducting Japan study tours since 2014.

Children who have participated so far have experienced:

Visits to Japanese schools

Visits to companies

A tour of the National Diet

The Osaka-Kansai Expo

Interactions with supporters across Japan

...and have greatly broadened their horizons.

Interactions with people they met in Japan have led to new dreams of "contributing to society in the future." This year, centered around Tokyo, we are planning:

School visits

Company visits

National Museum of Nature and Science

Visits to historical sites such as Asakusa and Ueno

A "Gratitude Gathering" for supporters

2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo 2024 Tour of the National Diet

A Trip to Directly Convey "Thank You" to Supporters

The main purpose of the Japan study tour is not tourism. It is for the children to directly express their gratitude to the supporters who have supported them for many years.

A "Gratitude Gathering" will be held in Tokyo on October 17 (Sat).

Through presentations and dances by the children, we will provide an opportunity for supporters to see their growth and interact with them. Direct connection between those receiving support and those providing it is an invaluable time for both.

Crowdfunding to Start on July 1

Approximately 2 million yen is estimated for the cost of this Japan study tour.

The 1.5 million yen to be raised through crowdfunding will be used for:

International airfare

Domestic transportation costs

Accommodation expenses

Food expenses

Passport and visa acquisition fees

Domestic training expenses in Japan

...and other related costs. We ask for your support to deliver the real experience of "the world is vast" to as many children as possible.

DAREDEMO HERO has launched a crowdfunding campaign starting July 1, 2026, to realize this project. Please support us here:

https://congrant.com/project/daredemohero/23174

We are also seeking collaborators in forms other than donations.

The Japan study tour is made possible by the cooperation of many people. In addition to donations, we are seeking companies, schools, organizations, and individuals who can cooperate in the following ways:

Venue Provision for "Gratitude Gathering"

We are seeking companies and organizations that can provide a venue for the "Gratitude Gathering" scheduled to be held in Tokyo from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on October 17 (Sat).

Capacity for approximately 100 people

Projector, screen, and microphone available

Light meals and refreshments allowed

Located in or around Taito Ward, Sumida Ward, Koto Ward, or easily accessible areas within Tokyo.

Provision of Meals for Children

We are seeking restaurants and companies that can provide lunches and dinners during their stay, allowing them to experience Japanese food culture.

Acceptance of School and Company Visits

We are seeking individuals and organizations who can cooperate with school tours and company visits to broaden the children's future dreams and perspectives. Encounters with people active in various fields such as education, IT, healthcare, aviation, finance, manufacturing, and international exchange can be a catalyst for changing the children's lives.

Referrals are Also Welcome

We would be very grateful for even small connections, such as "knowing a venue," "being able to introduce a school," or "connecting us with a company."

Please lend us your strength to deliver a "world they have never seen" to the children.

About DAREDEMO HERO

DAREDEMO HERO is an international NGO operating in Cebu, Philippines, with the goal of "breaking the cycle of poverty through education." Currently, we are involved in:

Long-term educational support and leader development from elementary school to university graduation

Operation of learning centers for children living in garbage dumps and cemeteries

Community development and self-reliance support / Disaster recovery support

Japan-Philippines cultural exchange

...and more. In the past 12 years, many graduates have grown not only to become independent from poverty, aiming to become doctors, pilots, and teachers, but also to become leaders who support the next generation.

【Organization Overview】 Organization Name: NPO DAREDEMO HERO Location: Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture; Cebu City, Philippines Representative: Junko Uchiyama Official Website: https://daredemohero.com/

Crowdfunding: https://congrant.com/project/daredemohero/2317