I think that as parents, the desire to give back to our children is inherent and deep. This community has shown itself to be truly special by reaching outside of our own families to give to children who do not have the same opportunities as our own. We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for our Give and Send to End Semester. THANK YOU.
We succeeded in our fundraising goals by raising 1.6 million JPY for workshops in Tohoku and a kindergarten classroom in Cambodia. This is incredible. As planned, our Cambodia project planning and fundraising will continue next school year. We can (and still do) get started now by opening up classes for kindergarteners this summer in the existing building (before the regular school start). This is a great way to get the kindergarten classes acclimated to school while construction of the classroom roof starts in late fall/early winter during the dry season.
For Tohoku, we are going to continue our art workshops, starting with another volunteer opportunity this spring (more to come).
Together with World Assistance for Cambodia, we are supporting primary school development in rural Cambodia. Ohana International School in Tokyo is partnering with World Assistance for Cambodia to build a kindergarten as part of its ongoing primary school program. This initiative provides access to quality early education for young children in rural areas who would not otherwise have the opportunity.
Our fundraising and volunteer efforts directly contribute to this goal, helping children gain essential life skills, find new opportunities, and realize their dreams.
Ohana International School is preparing for our third children’s art workshop in Tohoku, Japan, in partnership with Place to Grow. Place to Grow is a local organization that inspires and uplifts children in post-disaster areas through creativity, imagination, and meaningful connections.
These workshops encourage children to express themselves through art, storytelling, and shared activities. In the process, they not only gain creative skills but also form relationships and strengthen their resilience.
As a community, we believe deeply in the positive impact of education, especially before the age of seven, which is considered the most critical time for brain development. By contributing to early education initiatives, we help set the foundation for lifelong learning, confidence, and community leadership.
This year, Ohana International School partnered with World Assistance for Cambodia to build a kindergarten classroom in rural Cambodia. The project was inspired by the vision of Debbie Krikner Steele, who saw firsthand the need for improved early education facilities in the area.
Our team and supporters have worked tirelessly to raise the necessary funds and awareness for this project. Together, we are creating opportunities for children to learn, grow, and thrive.
Our volunteers from Tokyo designed an inspiring artistic curriculum to encourage children in Tohoku to explore their creativity and imagination. These workshops foster self-expression and help children develop confidence in sharing their ideas.
This year, we are preparing to return to Tohoku with more interactive art activities and community-building projects. We look forward to working alongside local children and volunteers to create something meaningful together.
We believe that giving back to the community is essential not only to do, but also to teach little children.
We once had a Santa Claus project where we asked the children to bring a gift to school and place it in a sleigh, which they had collaborated to create out of “found material”. We asked one of the dads to dress up as Santa, once the project was completed, and he came to school, collected the gifts, and took them to Tohoku (to the children whose cities had been devastated by the tsunami). Every child willingly waved goodbye to their gift as Santa marched down the street with them.
Raffle, Penny Wars, Auction of children’s art canvases, Silent Auction, Bake Sales, Secondhand Sales, and more. They change every year, and sometimes they remain the same.
Cambodia, Philippines, Japan, Ukraine, Mirai no Mori, Refugees in Japan, Médecins Sans Frontières.
Yes – we’d love them to.
Building a Kindergarten classroom and supporting rebuilding efforts in Tohoku for 10 years. We now support Noto Peninsula.
OHANA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
3-12-36 Motoazabu
Minato-ku Tokyo 106-0046 JAPAN
