Group Discussion on the Topic of Child Poverty
A symposium titled “Facing the Issue of Socially Neglected Children”, conducted by Numata Naoko of NPO Chez Kirari, was held on July 7th, 2018, at the Kanazawa Bar Association headquarters.
Various experts with real-life experience in dealing with troubled teenagers, such as child psychiatrists and workers at orphanages and child consultation centers, came together to participate in the symposium. The group discussion was an intense and emotional exchange between different voices on potential individually implementable strategies to aid socially neglected children. A few key themes arose during the discussion, such as the importance of cooperation, not running away from problems, and realizing when there are problems in the first place.
Contribution to the 1st SDG, ‘No Poverty’:
The event and the discussions that were held are directly related to the first sustainable development goal. In Japan, approximately 1 out of 7 children are considered ‘poor’. Events like this one help to spread awareness of child poverty and encourage the public to consider the issue and take action.
Children’s Help Center
In February of 2018, Chez Kirari established an independent help center for children with social and economical difficulties, especially those in their later teenage years. The NPO supports children who, for various reasons, had to leave an orphanage or other childcare centers, helping them to prepare for their adult life. The help center serves as a house and shelter, and is the first facility of its kind in Ishikawa Prefecture.
