OUR WORK IN JAPAN

For nearly half a century, the Ashinaga Movement has supported students who have lost one or both parents, as well as students who have a parent suffering from a physical or mental disability that prevents them from working. Ashinaga began its activities in Japan as a movement for children orphaned by traffic accidents and has always benefited from strong support domestically. Thanks to the participation of young activists, it has been able to expand the impact of its programs to all students who have lost their parents and build trust in Japanese society.

Severe economic and educational disparities exist for students in Japan who have lost one or more parents. Some 53% of orphaned students give up on higher education as a result of financial barriers, and over 25% of those affected work part-time jobs to support their families. Too often these challenges dissuade capable students from continuing their studies, resulting in fewer job prospects and inter-generational socio-economic hardship.

While the love and support of a parent cannot be replaced, Ashinaga provides Japanese students with the financial and emotional support necessary for them to progress academically and realize their life goals in three main ways; access to education, emotional support, and empowerment.