The Challenge of Child Poverty
In Japan, one in nine children is in a state of relative poverty. This means that in a classroom of 30 students, approximately three children are struggling with poverty. Given this situation in Japan, support for elementary and junior high school students such as meal assistance, educational support, and safe spaces is expanding.
However, there is a current situation where high school students, not being part of compulsory education, often miss out on such support. Children facing difficulties due to poverty and various environmental factors may develop a sense of distrust and anxiety about their own abilities and future prospects, sometimes expressing sentiments like “I’m not worth it anyway.”
Due to such passive attitudes, they may refrain from seeking help from those around them, making it even harder to break out of their difficult circumstances. Consequently, opportunities to develop the “self-driving force” necessary for future economic and mental independence become insufficient.
The Cycle of Poverty
Parents’ income influences their children’s educational attainment and future employment prospects, creating income disparities into adulthood. CLACK aims to break this intergenerational “cycle of poverty.”
Activities of CLACK
Types of Support
CLACK targets high school students who find it difficult to receive support and offers “programming learning support” and “career education.” One program, “Tech Runway,” provides mentoring support twice a week for three months. Even with no prior knowledge, students can participate as long as they have the desire to try.
Supported by professionals and university students as instructors, participants gain skills to create websites and apps independently. Workshops not only cover IT skills but also essential life skills like financial management and workplace readiness, nurturing economic self-sufficiency.
Learning Without Financial Burden
Even if aware of available support, some high school students may feel it’s “too much for them” due to tuition fees or transportation costs. Therefore, “Tech Runway” offers free tuition, study materials, reimbursement for commuting expenses, and provides PCs to students without access, ensuring financial reasons do not hinder their learning.
Why Programming?
Economic Independence
In Japan’s “Survey on High School Students’ Desired Occupations,” programming ranks first. By 2030, a shortage of 790,000 IT professionals is expected. Pursuing IT-related careers offers high salaries and a path out of poverty.
Even if they don’t become programmers or engineers, the ability to research and handle AI technologies and IT tools like ChatGPT can be a valuable asset in any job, fostering mental independence.
Supporting Donations
Donations received from the Osaka Marathon are carefully used to support disadvantaged middle and high school students. For instance, covering round-trip commuting expenses for three months—24 trips—is challenging for financially strapped students. Therefore, CLACK ensures these expenses don’t hinder their education.
We sincerely appreciate any donations, which are eligible for tax deductions for residents in Japan. CLACK was certified as an NPO by the city of Osaka on February 8, 2023.
Message
Many high school students from impoverished households, due to family discord or personal developmental challenges, feel “incapable” or that “trying is futile,” losing hope and excitement for the future. To restore hope, it’s crucial they know the choices available to them and believe these options are achievable.
For this to happen:
- Knowing the available options and methods to achieve them.
- Knowing people around them who have chosen their desired path.
Without these, many children’s dreams and goals may remain unfulfilled fantasies, leading to loss of hope in the worst cases. CLACK empowers supported high school students to carve out their own path in life and become tangible role models for the next generation facing similar challenges, creating a cycle of hope across Japan.
Thank you for reading this far.
At the Osaka Marathon, CLACK members will also participate! We would be delighted to have you join us as companions who share our vision. We sincerely appreciate your support and encouragement.
Since the above page is in Japanese, if you need support in English for your entry, please contact us at:
contact@clack.ne.jp ／Attn: Yurina Tokunaga
