EGAKU for
Kids & Youth

We finally kicked off the EGAKU the Future Program for high school students from Fukushima - a program created in partnership with nonprofit Bridge for Fukushima, to nurture the next generation of leaders empowered to create the future.  
 
This program combines project-based learning, led by Bridge for Fukushima, and EGAKU, to develop the skills and qualities needed for the next generation of leaders over the next 6 months - nurturing skills such as the ability to see the big picture, understand the value of diversity, cultivate a curious and inquisitive mindset and a passion to keep learning.   
　
For the first session of the program, these 23 energetic high school students looked within themselves to explore the theme, “What I value the most.”  We look forward to seeing what kind of personal journeys unfold for each of them over the coming six months.  
　
Below are some of the comments and reflections the participants shared with us:

• “I haven’t had many opportunities to reflect on what I value, so it was thought provoking. I realized that there are actually many things I value.  As I was painting, I felt inspiration well up inside me and it was as if I’d discovered some newfound power inside me.”
• “It was a new experience to encounter diversity by seeing others through the lens of a picture - I enjoyed it. It made me think that perhaps I’m actually surrounded by diversity.”
• “Through my abstract picture, other people gave me the language to describe the things that I couldn’t find the words for. I had no confidence in my ability to express myself, but I managed to give shape to the abstract image in my head, and as a result I came around to liking my art work and my self-expression.”
• “I’ve always liked interacting with people, but this experience made me I realize that I’m also interested in understanding people’s different emotions.”