Hello!
We are "WAKUWAKU x Roots/Routes", a place for children with foreign backgrounds in Toshima-Ku, Tokyo!

We usually write our messages in Japanese, but here we will introduce WAKUWAKU x Roots/Routes in English.

Aim and Contents:

The purpose of WAKUWAKU x Roots/Routes is to create opportunities for children with immigrant backgrounds to connect with supporters and other participants, to think about themselves and society, and to take actions. We would like to work closely with those participating in the process of accepting their own backgrounds, taking a positive view of themselves, and proactively building their future.

Specifically, we engage in activities where children think about their foreign roots and various social issues, and communicate their thoughts and ideas to each other. We also provide support for academic studies, Japanese language skills, and moving on to higher education.

In the long term, our goal is to build an  inclusive society. In order to create a society where diverse cultures, languages, and identities are respected, and where there are no barriers for anyone with foreign backgrounds, we will send out messages to encourage the majority to change their mindset.

How we started our program

WAKUWAKU x Roots/Routes is a collaborative project between Shanti Volunteer Association (SVA) and Toshima Children's WAKUWAKU Network (WAKUWAKU), certified NGOs.
The staff who run "WAKUWAKU x Roots/Routes" met each other as volunteers at WAKUWAKU, which has provided a variety of support for children and families in the local area. For children with foreign backgrounds, WAKUWAKU has organized Japanese language classes, multilingual careers advice, and multicultural cooking gatherings.
However, we have felt that we have not been able to adequately respond to the social disadvantages and difficulties they face. We were keenly aware of the complexity of the social barriers they face and the need to create a "place you can be yourself" where children with foreign backgrounds can connect with others. Then, we were approached by SVA to do a collaborative project and decided to start the "WAKUWAKU x Roots/Routes" activities.

Participants

We accept children with immigrant backgrounds, mainly children living in Toshima Ward. We welcome children regardless of nationality, length of residency in Japan, level of Japanese language proficiency, or whether they are in or out of school.
The current participants range from upper elementary school students(5th grade) to high school students (11th grade equivalent).

When and where?

We have activities every Saturday evening.
We were planning to conduct our activities face to face in Toshima Ward, but due to Covid-19, we are now conducting them remotely using Zoom.

Who is running the project?

The staff who are mainly responsible for the operation are graduate students. Also, university students with foreign backgrounds are working as interpreters.
As mentioned above, "WAKUWAKU x Roots/Routes " is a collaborative project between Shanti Volunteer Association and Toshima Children's WAKUWAKU Network.

World Vision Japan, another NGO, also supports us.

HP and contact information

If you are interested in the activities of "WAKUWAKU x Roots/Routes", please visit the introduction page on the SVA and WAKUWAKU websites (written in Japanese), or please email us for more information.

E-mail address: CwFR.ibasho523@gmail.com

Thank you very much for reading our introduction to "WAKUWAKU x Roots/Routes" in English.
Hope to see you soon!