Why ESD? Why Community-Based Learning in Japan?
Q1. Why focus on ESD instead of traditional education programs?
A.
Formal education provides knowledge, but ESD focuses on how people live together.
Skills such as cooperation, care for place, and social responsibility are most effectively learned through real-life experiences—especially in community settings.
Sai-Kodomokai functions as a living environment where ESD is practiced, not taught.
Q2. Why is community-based learning necessary in a country like Japan?
A.
Despite strong infrastructure and education systems, Japan faces:
- Social isolation among families
- Declining community participation
- Increasing pressure on volunteers
Community-based learning offers a way to rebuild everyday connections that formal institutions cannot replace.
Q3. Isn’t community participation already strong in Japan?
A.
Historically, yes—but today many systems rely on obligation and fixed roles.
This discourages participation, especially among working parents.
SAI Kodomokai shows that lowering participation barriers can revive engagement.
Q4. Why support a local initiative instead of a large international NGO?
A.
Small, local initiatives act as experimental spaces.
They generate practical knowledge about what actually works in daily life.
Supporting Sai-Kodomokai means supporting:
- A tested model
- Transferable insights
- Grounded, evidence-informed practice
Q5. How does this connect to the SDGs?
A.
Rather than aligning activities with specific SDG targets, Sai-Kodomokai contributes holistically by strengthening the social foundations necessary for sustainable development.
Strong relationships, inclusion, and local agency are prerequisites for progress on many SDGs.
Q6. What does international support enable?
A.
Your support helps:
- Sustain inclusive, low-burden community spaces
- Document and share practical learning models
- Connect local practice to global conversations on sustainability and education
Q7. Why Japan, and why now?
A.
Japan is experiencing demographic and social shifts earlier than many countries.
The solutions emerging here may offer valuable lessons for other societies facing similar futures.
How can I support SAI Kodomokai?
If you would like to support our activities, you can make a contribution via PayPal.
Your support helps us maintain inclusive, low-burden community spaces and document our learning practices.
Voices from our community:
“I’ve been part of this community since I was a baby, following in the footsteps of my older brother and sister. Even now as a junior high student, I’m having so much fun! From planning our own stalls at the summer festival to cooking and sharing meals together, this is a place where my ideas come to life. I’m always excited thinking about what to do next!”
Growing together: From a 5-year-old participant to a 13-year-old project planner.
Donations are used to support our community-based activities.
Please note that PayPal transaction fees will be deducted from your donation.
Contributions to SAI Kodomokai are not tax-deductible.
[Support our activities via PayPal]
Donation to SAI Kodomokai(USD 10)
Donation to SAI Kodomokai(USD 25)
Donation to SAI Kodomokai(USD 50)
Donation to SAI Kodomokai (Other Amount)
How your contribution makes an impact:
- $10: Provides an exciting workshop experience (materials and snacks) for one child.
- $20: Supports a modest stipend for a local facilitator, ensuring sustainable operations.
- $50: Sustains our “safe open space” for one session, covering venue and community snacks.