Souledge Selected for 2025 SMBC Group Rising Fund
Souledge has been selected for the SMBC Group Rising Fund, receiving a grant for its educational material development project aimed at resolving educational disparities. This initiative seeks to support human rights and sex education in junior high schools, fostering young people's ability to make independent life choices.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 8, 2026 at 20:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 8, 2026 at 11:30
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 20, 2026 at 19:14 (295h 43m after Collected)
General Incorporated Association Souledge (Representative Director: Riho Suzuki, Location: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) has been selected by the "SMBC Group Rising Fund" operated by Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. to receive a grant for its educational material development project, aimed at resolving educational disparities, providing opportunities for challenges, and aiding social independence and escape from poverty.
## Background
In Japan, disparities in the content and opportunities for education that children receive are arising due to differences in family environment and region. Particularly in the domains of human rights education and sex education, the opportunities and content are not sufficiently guaranteed.
It is also pointed out that for young people facing economic difficulties, the inability to access accurate knowledge and information about sex is one factor that increases risks such as sexual victimization and unintended pregnancy.
Meanwhile, in schools, constraints from the curriculum guidelines make it difficult to adequately cover the process of pregnancy, and it is challenging to conduct specific education on contraception. While lectures by external instructors (medical professionals, etc.) may be held to compensate for this lack, the reliance on individual materials and content leads to issues such as the burden and variability in quality.
These circumstances have become structural challenges that can ultimately lead to disparities in educational opportunities and the reproduction of poverty.
## Through This Selection
Through this selection, Souledge will proceed with creating educational materials that teachers and external instructors involved in human rights and sex education in junior high schools can utilize according to their specific situations.
Concurrently, by establishing a platform for medical professionals and educators to collaborate and share their expertise to enhance practical application, we aim to deliver human rights and sex education nationwide in a sustainable manner.
Our goal is a society where evidence-based sex education is appropriately implemented in schools, and the collaboration between teachers and medical professionals spreads nationwide, thereby reducing the disparities in educational opportunities by region.
Furthermore, by nurturing the ability of each young person to learn about sex, health, and relationships, and to proactively choose their own life, we aim to contribute to breaking the chain of poverty and educational/economic disparities caused by sex-related troubles.
Souledge will continue to address issues related to sex by engaging in on-the-ground practices and dialogue, without leaning towards specific stances or confrontational structures.
## Comment from Souledge Representative Director
Representative Director, Riho Suzuki
I believe that human rights education and sex education are not merely about conveying knowledge, but are the foundation that supports "how to live."
It is an important opportunity not only for health and risk avoidance but also for thinking about one's own body, relationships, and choices.
Through this initiative, we want to expand the foundation that enables young people to proactively choose their own lives by creating a state where education content and quality are supported by society, rather than being left to individual sites.
## Background
In Japan, disparities in the content and opportunities for education that children receive are arising due to differences in family environment and region. Particularly in the domains of human rights education and sex education, the opportunities and content are not sufficiently guaranteed.
It is also pointed out that for young people facing economic difficulties, the inability to access accurate knowledge and information about sex is one factor that increases risks such as sexual victimization and unintended pregnancy.
Meanwhile, in schools, constraints from the curriculum guidelines make it difficult to adequately cover the process of pregnancy, and it is challenging to conduct specific education on contraception. While lectures by external instructors (medical professionals, etc.) may be held to compensate for this lack, the reliance on individual materials and content leads to issues such as the burden and variability in quality.
These circumstances have become structural challenges that can ultimately lead to disparities in educational opportunities and the reproduction of poverty.
## Through This Selection
Through this selection, Souledge will proceed with creating educational materials that teachers and external instructors involved in human rights and sex education in junior high schools can utilize according to their specific situations.
Concurrently, by establishing a platform for medical professionals and educators to collaborate and share their expertise to enhance practical application, we aim to deliver human rights and sex education nationwide in a sustainable manner.
Our goal is a society where evidence-based sex education is appropriately implemented in schools, and the collaboration between teachers and medical professionals spreads nationwide, thereby reducing the disparities in educational opportunities by region.
Furthermore, by nurturing the ability of each young person to learn about sex, health, and relationships, and to proactively choose their own life, we aim to contribute to breaking the chain of poverty and educational/economic disparities caused by sex-related troubles.
Souledge will continue to address issues related to sex by engaging in on-the-ground practices and dialogue, without leaning towards specific stances or confrontational structures.
## Comment from Souledge Representative Director
Representative Director, Riho Suzuki
I believe that human rights education and sex education are not merely about conveying knowledge, but are the foundation that supports "how to live."
It is an important opportunity not only for health and risk avoidance but also for thinking about one's own body, relationships, and choices.
Through this initiative, we want to expand the foundation that enables young people to proactively choose their own lives by creating a state where education content and quality are supported by society, rather than being left to individual sites.