CSR & Collaboration with Foundations and Research Institute

Gakken Group collaborates with foundations and research institutes to offer assistance and conduct research in the field of education. Through the dissemination of educational knowledge and the establishment of platforms for nurturing children's skills, the Group leverages its expertise to enhance its business and foster a sense of trust within society.

Founded in 1980 by Hideto Furuoka, the founder of the Gakken Group, the Furuoka Scholarship Foundation originated from a personal donation of 1 billion yen. Its primary objective is to aid mothers and their children undergoing economic difficulties similar to those faced by Furuoka in his own childhood. The core focus of the foundation lies in offering scholarships without any repayment obligations to high school students from single-mother households. In FY 2023, these scholarships are set to provide around 240,000 yen annually to new students, accumulating to an approximate total of 720,000 yen over a three-year period.
　
The foundation received public interest incorporated foundation status in 2011 and marked its 40th anniversary in June 2019. The count of scholarship beneficiaries has risen from 134 in the initial fiscal year to 363 by the 44th fiscal year of 2023. As of April 2023, the support has been extended to 1,074 high school students. Notably, the cumulative total of scholarship recipients since its inception has surpassed 10,000, reaching 10,068 individuals.
　
Based on the concept of "exploring diverse cultures in youth," the Foundation has been conducting a short-term study abroad initiative since 2015. This program involves around 50 scholarship awardees spending two weeks overseas during their summer break annually. The objective is to immerse in language learning and homestay encounters, and all costs are covered by the Foundation. Notably, in 2019 (the 5th edition of the program), participants journeyed to Canada. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program was suspended from 2020 to 2022. Additionally, starting in 2019, the Foundation introduced training at the TOKYO GLOBAL GATEWAY (TGG).
Roughly 40 scholarship recipients partake in a 5-day, 4-night cross-cultural experience with an "English-immersion" focus during their spring break.
　
In addition, we are providing both material and moral support by lending tablet terminals free of charge and holding "scholarship students' gatherings" where students can interact with their peers.

The Foundation of Research and Studies for Ability Development Education was established in August 1967 following the dissolution of Gakushu Kenkyusha. This foundation engages in a wide array of educational support endeavors through its public service projects.

One of its significant initiatives is the National Children's Ability Development Contest. Commencing in 1963, this contest marked its 59th anniversary in the fiscal year 2022. Its purpose is to cultivate the cultural and scientific talents of elementary school students. The competition welcomes submissions in three categories: drawing, writing, and science.

Moreover, the Japan Montessori Education Research Institute, founded in 1976, has been instrumental in fostering the growth and dissemination of Montessori education in Japan. Its efforts span practical and research activities across affiliated preschool education institutions, alongside the operation of diverse teacher training courses. Of particular importance is the "Teacher Training Advance Course," renamed "International Qualification Acquisition Course" in 2022, which was introduced in 2019. In 2021, this course received notable recognition as it became the first program in Japan to gain official accreditation from both AMS (American Montessori Society) and MACTE (Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education), two distinguished institutions in the realm of Montessori education globally.
Adapting to contemporary demands, the institute remains committed to providing an exceptional curriculum for nurturing skilled Montessori educators and instructors.

The Educational Engineering Research Council is an institution that leverages its extensive knowledge and expertise in educational technology, which has been cultivated over numerous years. We have been organizing teacher training sessions and IMETS forums to provide valuable support to educators. In 2023, we are introducing a fresh initiative known as the "Teacher Training Program." This new endeavor is aimed at offering quality learning materials to educators in the field aligning with the government's strategic discontinuation of the teacher license renewal system and focusing on the advancement of "new teacher learning."

The Gakken Research Institute for Learning and Education, serving as the educational think tank of Gakken Group, has been diligently examining the evolving "value of learning and the structure of learning" across home, school, and community settings. This critical insight is communicated both internally and externally.
　
A longstanding initiative known as the "White Paper" series, initiated in the 1980s, comprises comprehensive surveys targeting preschoolers, elementary, junior high, and high school students. This survey covers an array of subjects, including preferred subjects and areas of study, as well as aspirations for future careers and other forward-looking concerns.
The findings of these surveys have been shared through television, newspapers, and various media outlets, including corporate research establishments, providing a glimpse into the ever-changing world of children.
　
The results of the 2022 survey spotlight a noticeable increase, from 5.5% in 2021 to 10%, in 6th graders who responded with "No subject is useful in the future." This shift is not to be disregarded and is reflected in the data.
　
Moreover, an internal effort has been initiated to convey Gakken's perspective on "growth and learning" and its significance within the contemporary shifting societal landscape. This endeavor, termed the "Learning Map," is grounded in the understanding that Gakken's offerings constitute an environment closely intertwined with those who are learning. The map encapsulates the notion that learning is not about subtracting points but rather about adding them. It succinctly outlines the skills to be fostered and acquired during the journey of growth and learning from infancy to the age of 100.
　
The "Learning Map" functions as a flexible learning guideline, catering to the diversity of Gakken's products and services. Beginning in the FY9/2023, the map encompasses the learning trajectory for infants, elementary, junior high, and high school students. The initial two stages, from infants to elementary students, are accessible to employees via the company intranet. Looking ahead to the era of the 100-year life, plans are in place to devise a "Learning Map" for adults and beyond.
　
The "Learning Map" will be updated as required to align with the evolving times and will serve as the cornerstone for providing "learning" that empowers the Group's mission "everyone has fulfilling lives".

The Gakken Research Institute for Science and Creation is dedicated to fostering and spreading scientific understanding, technology, and knowledge. Leveraging Gakken's wealth of scientific content, the institute engages in a variety of initiatives. Central to its efforts is the creation of interactive spaces for scientific exploration. These spaces include experiential classes and captivating science demonstrations that cater to individuals of all ages, from children to adults.
The institute also identifies, nurtures, and cultivates individuals with inventive and scientific minds.
　
In November 2022, the institute participated in the "National Treasures 150 Years Later" exhibition held at the Tokyo National Museum, which commemorated the museum's 150th anniversary. The "Furoku of Science" was showcased as a potential candidate for a National Treasure in the next 150 years, evoking a sense of nostalgia and joy for science among the numerous visitors. The exhibition presented a diverse array of over 100 artifacts, including microscopes, telescopes, human skeletal models, and cameras. Beyond being visually appealing, the exhibit provided a multi-generational experience for families, encompassing parents, children, and even grandchildren.
　
An inventive endeavor saw the creation of science-themed ornaments adorning the Christmas tree in the Gakken Building's lobby for the festive season. In 2022, the chosen theme was the 'Sustainable Hydrogen Society.' Within a diorama portraying a hydrogen energy society, water was electrolyzed using pedal power to generate hydrogen. Numerous interactive features were incorporated to establish a closer connection to sustainability. These included the 'SDGs Tower,' where Santa Claus would distribute gifts following a quiz, and a Sustainable Town complete with a running linear motor car. The tree lighting ceremony on November 29th featured the charismatic members of the 'Asobunda Laboratory,' affectionately known as 'Bunda Ken,' from the editorial department of 'Gakken no Kagaku.' Adorned in playful costumes, they engaged Gakken Kindergarten children through lively demonstrations and explanations of the ornaments.

We conducted training for students who participated in the SDGs International Contribution Internship Program '2022 Spring Break TOKYO Samurai Curry Project Online,' operated by Spice Up Academy, Inc., which offers overseas internship programs for university and high school students.

Released "NEXT BUSINESS INSIGHTS," an on-demand media. By providing information on developing countries in Japanese, which is difficult to obtain in Japan, we aim to help as many Japanese companies as possible to develop businesses in developing countries and solve social issues.

A hybrid real and online reading event was held on the 13th floor of the Gakken Building, featuring songs and readings by picture book author Hirotaka Nakagawa and others. (Photo below)

Edic/Sozogakuen × Gakken Elementary and Junior High School Students Learning Support Project! Gakken launched the "Gakken Support Project for Elementary and Junior High School Students" to support the "learning" of children and students who are unable to go to school due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The project provided free gifts of work books such as "Gakken's Review Drills for 1st to 6th Grade Elementary School," "Gakken New Course Work Book," and "10 Days Complete Review for 1st and 2nd Grade Junior High School" published by Gakken Plus, a group company, to students who were forced to stay at home due to the rapid spread of Omicron variant infection, and supported learning at home in Hyogo Prefecture. (photo below, left).

Taishi Seminar, a cram school in Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture, held a free event for elementary school students to learn about the SDGs while having fun during their summer vacation.

Gakken Science Experiment Classes were held at 10 elementary schools in the Basrah area of Iraq. JGC CORPORATION participated in this project as a CSR business partner. (Photo below, center)

Donations were made to five children's cafeterias operating in Yamanashi and Shizuoka. This is the third time this year. A total of 1.65 million yen was donated from donations made by employees, students, and parents, as well as from a portion of the summer course sales. (Photo below, right)

These companies have started trials for the establishment of a "learning support course" at the "KLOCKA" child development support center.

Yokohama Children's Hospice - UMI TO SORA NO OUCHI.

Starting in July 2022, IC Net Limited conducted a survey lasting about three weeks to evaluate the educational conditions of Ukrainian refugees, with a particular focus on children, in Romania and Moldova̶neighboring countries of Ukraine. The purpose of this survey was to gauge the immediate requirements within the local communities.
　
During the course of the survey, we identified areas lacking proper support and promptly provided immediate assistance to address urgent needs. This assistance included renovating accommodations for orphans and repairing kitchen leaks.
　
Upon understanding the specific requirements of the local community, we translated these insights into concrete support initiatives. One of the most impactful endeavors involved backing a supplementary school established and managed by mothers. This initiative was born out of the recognition that children displaced to neighboring countries were facing limited opportunities to continue learning the Ukrainian language. We developed a Ukrainian version of educational materials, drawing from Gakken Educational's resources, to facilitate an environment where these children could receive an education.
　
As part of our commitment to uninterrupted learning, Gakken distributed the Ukrainian edition of "Play Smart," a workbook designed for young children, to both the local children in the region and those who had been evacuated to Japan. Our aim is to ensure that the pursuit of knowledge remains constant and unwavering for these children, regardless of their circumstances.
　
The Gakken Building organized a fundraising event for its employees in tandem with the traditional annual Christmas tree decorating event. 
This initiative not only encouraged employees to come together for a meaningful cause but also helped foster a global perspective among them.
　
In the coming times, IC Net Limited is planning to establish a collaborative platform for Japanese companies to contribute to aid efforts for Ukrainian refugees. This platform will go beyond simply distributing goods and services from participating companies to the recipients. It will also facilitate feedback from the local community members who have benefited from these contributions. The primary objective is to enhance the effectiveness of support while also aiding in the region's business development.