About Kids2Kids
Global Changemakers
Kids2Kids connects youth in Japan and around the world through global exchange programs that allow you to brainstorm innovative solutions to today's social problems as the future social leaders of tomorrow.
Are you a changemaker? Do you see the world not only for what it is, but for all it can be?
(Design by Nao Ishii (Japan), age 12) =>
A global changemaker has the knowledge and skills they need to be able to learn about the world, recognize and respect differing viewpoints, communicate ideas in a culturally sensitive way, and take action on important issues that have far reaching impacts across the globe
Global changemakers...
Imagine Possibilities
Interpret Information
Initiate Action
Integrate Pieces
Inspire Others
Power to Change the World
Kids2Kids is a global exchange program for children between the ages of 6 and 18 (Grades 1-12) in Japan and around the world to help them explore and find kid-inspired solutions to problems the world faces today.
Kids can become more open-minded and globally aware as they discover more about the world around them through friendships and see how much power they have to change the world through their actions.
The K2K Change the World program is a global exchange program on social issues, such as the environment, diversity, equity, inclusion, culture, gender equality, disaster resilience, health and other current topics, that allows kids to think about ways they can make a difference and put solutions into practice. Depending the needs of the coordinators, programs may run from single sessions to longer programs that are aligned to a specific curriculum or actual situations in partner countries.
Exchange may be conducted through video letters, blogging, art, online exhibitions, letters or other types of correspondence.
Programs have been carried out in the following areas with different partners. Check out our blog for details.
5Rs
Oct-Dec 2018, Oct-Dec 2019, Oct-Nov 2020
Focus:
5Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle, refuse, rott/compost), plastic waste, food loss, special cooking and art program on local foods
Partners:
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U.S. (Willow Grove Elementary School, Girl Scouts)
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Indonesia (Elementary school in Pekalongan)
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Japan (Cooking with Kiara,
K. English Garden)
Disaster risk reduction
Jan-Mar 2020
Focus:
Disaster readiness (earthquakes, typhoons, flooding), hazard mapping
Partners:
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Nepal (Shree Arunodaya Secondary School)
Universal design
Jan-May 2021
Focus:
Applying the 7 principles of universal design to create spaces and products using your unique Bitmoji!
Online
The Art of Storytelling
Jun-Jul 2022
Focus:
Find your voice and communicate your own ideas and solutions to social issues that interest you.
Partners:
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U.S. Consulate Fukuoka in cooperation with students from the Department of English at The University of Kitakyushu
Water quality
Jan-Mar 2019, Apr-Jun 2019
Focus:
Mangroves, water quality, river cleanup, fireflies (seasonal program)
Partners:
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Philippines (3 local communities in Cebu and neighboring islands)
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Japan (Local community center)
Gender perspectives in architectural design
Oct-Dec 2020
Focus:
Learning how to design gender-inclusive spaces
Online
Tokyo 2020(1!)
May-Jul 2021
Focus:
History of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Tokyo 2020(Won!), brainstorming ways to have a safe, fun and successful Games
Online
Multicultural Japan
Oct-Dec 2022
Focus:
Explore what it means to be multicultural in Japan. Create vision boards of your image and hopes for multicultural Japan.
Partners:
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The University of Kitakyushu (extension program)
Endangered wildlife & cultures
Apr-Jun 2019
Focus:
Indigenous cultures, extinct and endangered languages and wildlife
Partners:
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New Zealand (Local group in Auckland)
COVID-19
Nov 2020-Jan 2021
Focus:
Facts about COVID-19, bullying, positive thinking, time capsule, ideas for online app
Special Art Expo! <=Link here
Online
Disability awareness
Oct-Dec 2021
Focus:
Learning to live a barrier-free life and designing multi-sensory spaces
Partners:
The University of Kitakyushu (extension program), with special guest (via pre-recorded video), Gregory Burns, 3-time Paralympian, artist and author
Watch the interview with Gregory!
Farm & Garden to Table
Feb-Mar 2023
Focus:
Creating an authentic environment for intergenerational exchange between Japan, the Philippines and Indonesia through food.
Partners:
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Olango, Philippines
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Pekalongan, Indonesia
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Kitakyushu, Japan (Bright Kids Garden International School, ESDx英会話, Sakura English Circle)