YouMeWe NPO thanks Equiom Group
We thank the Equiom Group for the support of the KIWL 500km bike ride this June. They are known for their CSR support. Please read here
https://www.equiomgroup.com/en/
YouMeWe NPO thanks BNP Paribas for their generous support of our NPO
YouMeWe NPO thanks BNP Paribas for their generous support of our NPO
BNP Paribas:Corporate Social Responsibility
Launched in September 2015 by the UN, the Sustainable Development Goals aim to end poverty by 2030 while protecting our planet’s environment. As a global company and Bank, BNP Paribas has a key role to play in this collective effort. Our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) approach allows us to take part in building a sustainable future while promoting the Group’s performance and stability.
A committed and responsible bank
13, the number of indicators we use to coordinate our CSR efforts. Nine of these are used to determine the amount of the variable incentive plan for the Group’s 5,000 Top Managers, counting for 20% of the eligibility conditions.
9,3 milliards d’euros in funding allocated by the Group to the renewable energy sector in 2016. We are committed to raising this figure to €15 billion by 2020.
470 900 people
accessed financial education programs with assistance from BNP Paribas in 2015.
CSR Figures keys
13
indicators we use to coordinate our CSR efforts
€9.3 bn
allocated by the Group to the renewable energy sector in 2016
470,900
people accessed financial education programs with assistance from BNP Paribas in 2015.
Please read more here: https://group.bnpparibas/en/group/corporate-social-responsibility
YouMeWe goes live in Ghana with NightZooKeeper
Summary-CLICK HERE TO DONATE
In an effort to connect children to the internet, we are working with the infamous teacher Owura Kwadwo, originally from Kumasi, Ghana, teaching ICT in a rural farming community, which lacks basic equipment and resources for the task. "Every teacher has a way of presenting his subject to his students. This is my way,"
Obaa-chan in the cloud: Our YouMeWe volunteer Schmidty interviews Sr.Theresa
Kicked off with Shiho interviewing her 92 year old grandmother. We are interviewing the Silver community in Japan and uploading their life stories to the cloud. We see this as an opportunity for the children to learn interview skills, editing skills and helping capture the life lessons from a country where we have more people over 65 years old (500,000 turning 65 every year) per capita in the world. Being interviewed by the youth where we have less under the age of 15 years old per capita in the world. Capturing their sage advice....in the cloud. Obaa-chan and Oji-chan in the cloud.
January 2019
Code Club is a program run by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, a registered UK charity. Code Club works with a global community of volunteers, educators, and partners to run free coding clubs where 9 to 13-year-olds build and share their ideas.
Code Club projects are free and open to all. They are easy-to-follow, step-by-step guides that young people use to make their own games, animations, and websites with coding languages such as Scratch, HTML/CSS, and Python.
The projects introduce coding concepts one by one and let young people progressively build their knowledge. Adults running the clubs don’t need to be experienced coders, and many volunteers in our community enjoy learning alongside their club members.
The first home to start Code Club was Matsubaen, which started in September 2018, and held 4 sessions between September and December.
The sessions consisting of about 5 high junior high school students are run by 16 year-old boy A-kun from Matsubaen and supervised by Michael Clemons.
As an extension to Code Club, Michael also introduced the Ichigo Jam project (creating mini computers for kids) to Matsubaen, and the first event is on January 19, 2019.
Christmas Wish Lists-Tohoku and Tokyo
TOHOKU
YouMeWe. Taiyo Gakuen
Permalink: http://amzn.asia/hNqzesj
YouMeWe Sendai WishList
Permalink: http://amzn.asia/iZmkvvj
YouMeWe -Shirakawa Gakuen
Permalink: http://amzn.asia/dYDJSkb
YouMeWe-Fukushima Aiikuen
Permalink: http://amzn.asia/453bs3V
YouMeWe-Aoba Gakuen
Permalink: http://amzn.asia/gJC8JQ3
TOKYO
YOUMEWE's Matsubaen Wish List
Permalink: http://amzn.asia/7jaQc2e
From Matsubaen:I asked my children about their Christmas gifts. I would like a cinema ticket. I would be happy if you would consider it. The price of one sheet is 1400 yen.
https://mvtk.jp/Mvtkgift/About
MATSUBAEN;54 children, 9 attendant staff. 88,200 + 7,026 tax = 95,256 JPY
YOUMEWE's St.Joseph's Wish List
Permalink: http://amzn.asia/7EFTHG7
Second Christmas Wish: Hi. Check out this list: https://www.amazon.jp/gp/registry/wishlist/1B5M0JQA0D8FM
YOUMEWE's Port Kanegaya Wish List
Permalink: http://amzn.asia/46R3spO
Kiyose Kodomo no Ie
①あさひ［ASAHI］ フェリークJr-Ⅰ20インチ 子供用 ライトグリーン ￥22,980(税込) x1
https://ec.cb-asahi.co.jp/.../152360E1D9F049829FB3AEC29CC...
②あさひ[ASAHI] VIDA BAA276-J 27インチ 外装6段変速 ダイナモライト シティサイクル レッド ￥22,980(税込) x1
https://ec.cb-asahi.co.jp/.../9992EC17A6764408AC5F3C95B9F...
December 2018 Newsletter
The entire board and volunteers of YouMeWe NPO want to express our thanks to everyone who has helped us along the way of setting up, which took a year, to making real progress on our main programs centered on Communication, Collaboration and looking at the earth more holistically.
YouMeWe creates critical educational support programs for kids living in Japanese children’s homes to help guide them on their journey to become independent, successful young adults within their communities.
We see connectivity as a significant element for abused, neglected and orphaned kids achieving long-term success. From language, computer literacy, cross-cultural and cross-generational connections, this teaches children the power of connectivity and how it can successfully transform their futures.
On Giving
by Kahlil Gibran
"You give but little when you give of your possessions.
It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.
For what are your possessions but things you keep and guard for fear you may need them tomorrow?"
Please click HERE to read.
KIWL 2019 Bike Ride Kick off
We joined KIWL last night for the kick off of their 2019 Bike ride recruitment.
June 13-16, 2019
Kiwl 2019 bike ride
Day 1:Takasaki-Yuzawa 112km
Day2: Yuzawa-Niigata-148km
Day3: Niigata-Aizu Wakamatsu -142 Km
Day 4: Aizu Wakamatsu-Fukukushima -100km
ending at our Fukushima Aiikuen Home
Click HERE for details about sponsorship
Thank you to our generous sponsors for #GivingTuesday
Starting with Ousha at O-bar who hosts us year in and year out. It is the ideal place for a party or function.
Thank you to Ross Purdie of HOVR who has not only provided HOVR devices for the raffle but will be sending to our homes as Christmas gifts. This helping the kids Deskercise while studying.
Thank you to the people at JP Morgan for generously donating computers for our CODE CLUB.A big thanks to Curry, David Asai, Marcos Iyer, Srinivas Takato, Tsunenori Solleza, Chris J Ebina, Minoru Moumou, Reda X Keshari, Ravi
And the Japan Philanthropy Committee
Thank you to Dai Ushiyama and his colleague Chizuru Fukusho for year in and year out helping us with generous certificates to the famous May’s Garden Spa in Roppongi Hills
Thank you to Misae for the wonderful tickets to Tokyo Sinfonia for two in December.
To our friend and family Louis Grieco who gave a wonderful gift of a lifetime, LeCreuset Cocotte Ronde.
This year featuring the Ukulele Virtuoso Rio Saito who will entertain us like no other. Who also gave his CDs as a raffle prize.
Thank you to Nick Masee who gave wonderful wines for the auction. Matt Miller who created a wonderful compilation video for the event. Victor Takesaki who ran around to get all the details ready for the night. Lori Hewlett for being the Raffle Czarina. Our Suzan at the door. All the wonderful guests.
A huge thank to COLT.net who have been our generous sponsors for our first year. We are very thankful to you and your team. Especially the Coltees who rode in the bike ride from Milan to Rome this year.
“Very much looking forward to the new partnership with KIWL (Knights in White Lycra) in 2019”
Thank you to Shiho who is collaborating with us for our Obaa-chan in the cloud project to have the children interview the Japanese elderly to capture their lifestories in the cloud. Launched on #GivingTuesday an interview with her 92 year old Grandmother with her mother and aunt in the room for future generations to hear.
#GivingTuesday; JP MORGAN gives laptops to CODE CLUB
A big thanks to Curry, David
Asai, Marcos
Iyer, Srinivas
Takato, Tsunenori
Solleza, Chris J
Ebina, Minoru
Moumou, Reda X
Keshari, Ravi
And the Japan Philanthropy Committee
Shiho helping with #GivingTuesday as we launch Obaa-chan in the cloud
Obaa-chan in the Cloud
This allows for a unique mentoring exchange to occur between the two demographics, where the older adults can share experiences and expertise with kids, and kids can become the "teachers" helping older adults learn how to become computer literate so they can connect with people online, order food and groceries, taxis, etc.
In collaboration with Shiho, we have launched the Obaa-chan in the cloud project. She has interviewed her 92 year old Grandmother, her mother and aunt for her children to be able to access “in the cloud” when they share these stories with their grandchildren.
Happy #GivingTuesday-Working towards sustainability with the kids helping
Summary
ViRTll Virtual traveling app that allows to explore the world through eyes of other people. Problem: Traveling difficulties (Especially for people with limited mobility, 130m requires a wheelchair) -It is expensive, complicated and consumes a lot of time to go abroad. Solution: Get a virtual body anywhere in the world and explore the environment in VR. (We will connect people through our app to eliminate borders between countries) -Pilots will pay money to get a real time VR experience.
$10,000
total goal
$10,000
remaining
0
donors
0
monthly donors
9
hours
Challenge
There are 130,000,000 people living in wheelchairs, countless bed ridden people and elderly who have not seen all the places that were on their bucket list.
Solution
This project will not only include our children as part of the coding and programming team for the development but can possibly employ them as VR Tour walkers. This VR solution allows people in their home to sit and hire a VR Walker to walk down the street in New York City or the canals of Venice..
Long-Term Impact
We see not only the possibility of connecting people globally but also creating economic empowerment by hiring homeless to be walkers, children in our homes and utilize 5G technology to enhance the experience.
Happy #GivingTuesday-working towards sustainability
Summary
Free charity App that allows people to monetize their time and spend gained points for NPO's!
$25,000
total goal
$25,000
remaining
0
donors
0
monthly donors
6
hours
Challenge
Problem: There are millions of people who don't have money but wants to help different organizations. They need an easy access to support charities that they want to help.
Solution
Solution: Complete one of three tasks (video, minigame, survey) and get points, you can donate them whenever you want. CharityTree will receive money from different advertisers and based on points quantity in particular organizations dispatch funds. Donate your time on behalf of money! It was never as easy as now to help the ones in need. No difficult registrations and credit cards, all you need is just time!
Long-Term Impact
In addition to allowing the NPO to be sustainable, it creates an interesting opportunity for the children living in our homes to be part of the coding team to make this solution a reality.
Happy #GivingTuesday-Testimonial from Volunteer Marie Gray
Dear Friend,
You subscribed to email updates from Designing Artists Academy by YouMeWe NPO, a project on GlobalGiving. Here's the unedited update from the field:
Testimonial from Volunteer
By Marie Gray - Youth Impact Coordinator at Hands On Tokyo
Happy Holidays to our supporters of Designing Artists Academy. We hope that this message finds you with your loved ones and enjoying delicious food. My name is Marie Gray, and I am a volunteer representing the Youth Impact team at Hands On Tokyo. We are a bilingual NPO that organizes volunteer projects for young adults with special needs individuals, senior citizens, and at risk children. We are very much looking forward to our collaboration with the Designing Artists Academy this year.
I am fortunate to manage a monthly English and art session with a children`s home partner in Tokyo. Today I wanted to tell you about the positive impact art has had on the children I work with, and why I decided to link up with the Designing Artists Academy.
For the past 2 years, I have been fortunate to watch my children`s evolution, and develop teaching methods to match their interests. What I have learned is that traditional English teaching methods are not engaging enough. Often times, kids are learning English in schools, and after a long week of studying, they want to try something completely new.
In contrast, what has proven successful are teaching programs that incorporate creative opportunities. I usually teach a theme du jour. We spend 45 minutes learning the new material, and then students spend the reminder of the lesson creating material with their assigned volunteer. At the end of each 2 hour session, the children present their creation to their classmates and volunteers.
This structure is effective for several reasons. The first reason is that students get to put their learning into the action. The second reason is that they can receive one-on-one attention from a volunteer with whom they can practice their English. The third, and most important, is that children are empowered to challenge themselves and practice self-expression. This is particularly important to cultivate for this demographic.
Eventually all of the children`s homes` residents will be forced to leave the homes when they complete high school. They will have to find ways to be self-sustainable without oversight from staff who made major life choices for them their entire lives.
Therefore it is of outmost importance that they feel confident enough to be their own advocate. It is better to begin this process while they are young and have mentors and caregivers who can nurture these skills.
Art is a gentle way to foster these skills in children. For me, I have watched them develop these strategies in my class, and seen how much more confident they have become. Now we have a class full of students proactively engaging with myself and volunteers and taking pride in who they are.
Designing Artists Academy reflects this same model, but with even more creative outlets. Dancing. Yoga. Painting. Drawing. You name it, and Designing Artists Academy is probably offering it. I believe this program has the potential to inspire and impact more children throughout Japan. With 9 successful years under their belt, Designing Artists Academy is constantly finding innovative ways to teach art. It is an incredible privilege to be a part of this program.
We hope that you will also find the goals of the Designing Artists Academy to be inspiring too. We also hope that you will consider an investment in this program, particularly on November 27th. GlobalGiving will match all donations made between Eastern Standard Time November 27 12am and 11:59pm, Japan Standard Time November 27 between 2pm and November 28 1:59pm, and London time (GMT) between November 27 5am and November 28 4:59am.
Any amount will help us ensure that as many vulnerable children will be to join this camp at zero cost to them. Thank you for consideration, and we look forward to keeping you posted throughout the year.
Happy Holidays!
Marie
The #1 reason for increased number of children being orphaned is child abuse.
Children's Home Stats & Stories from homes
Here's some information we can check for new stats. recommended by Port Kanegaya (November 20, 2018).
I tried to simplify but there's quite a lot of data written in complex kanji characters.
1) https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/houdou/0000071187.html
Data taken every 5 years by the Ministry of Health and Labour. Next one should be Heisei 30 (Feb 2018) but the data isn't there yet.
2) https://www.mhlw.go.jp/file/06-Seisakujouhou-11900000-Koyoukintoujidoukateikyoku/0000187952.pdf
This one is also by the Ministry of Health and Labor states the following:
The latest data - 2016 (Heisei 28) data shows that there are currently:
615 children's homes across Japan
Room for 32,605 children to live in these homes
Currently 26,449 children living in these homes
Number of staff members: 17,137 (though this is not too helpful since it includes admin staff)
National data on children moving onto 4-year universities, 2-year college, or finding a job.
(dated May 1, 2016 - Heisei 28)
1,818 high school children living in homes -> up from 1,543 in 2012
226 (12.4%) went to a 4-year university -> up from 11% in 2012
211 (11.6% went to a 2-year college) -> up from 11% in 2012
1,280 (70.4%) found jobs -> same as 70.4% (1,087 children) in 2012
101 (5.6%) are defined as "others" -> down from 117 (7.6%) in 2012
* which means that number of orphaned children has increased and therefore the number of kids getting into uni and college have also increased, but the number of children becoming employed has remained the same.
3) http://www.metro.tokyo.jp/tosei/hodohappyo/press/2017/02/24/documents/09_01.pdf
* Data taken every 5 years by the Tokyo Government. next data should be 2022.
According to data taken in 2017, 87.1% of children living in the homes are employed, up from 71.4% in 2012, so Tokyo is doing better than the national data. However, 46% of the job are in the service industry which would include restaurants, izakayas, karaoke stores, coffee shops, pachinko parlours, mobile phone shops (these examples were listed). 45% are full-time employees, 35% are part-timers. 12% temp staffs. More than 50% make less than 150,000 yen per month.
https://note.mu/taejun/n/nd18ce7480911
Slide show recommended by Port K. One important key info I thought was that the the #1 reason for increased number of children being orphaned is child abuse. 38% in 2013 up from 19% in 1998.
Colt raises over €1 million for under-privileged children
![Bike-ride-1-720x450[1].jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/593719c4725e25a794c424c7/1542781348287-WC0YVHHTJ9HZ1V52ZN3V/Bike-ride-1-720x450%5B1%5D.jpg)
Colt raises over €1 million for under-privileged children
by Louisa Gregory.
19 Nov 2018
This year Colt’s Charity Bike Ride hit an impressive milestone. Not only have thousands of kilometres been ridden for children in need, 2018 was the year that Colt cracked the million Euro fundraising mark.
Now in its seventh year, The Colt Charity Bike Ride started with the goal of riding the entire Colt network, with this year seeing the ride journey from Milan to Rome in Italy.
Over four days this last September, Colt employees and sponsors of the event rode more than 680km passing through five cities along the way. What’s more impressive than the distance covered is that this year the 120 people from 16 countries involved in the ride raised more than €118,000, which was 191% of their target. As with the event every year, Colt matched this amount, taking the total funds raised over the past seven years to a million Euros.
Each Colt office supports a different local cause and this year these funds will go to a myriad of charities including Dottor Sorriso (Clown Therapy) in Italy, Richard House Children’s Hospice in the UK, YouMeWe in Japan, who work with children in orphanages to improve their digital skills and Aldeas Infantiles in Spain, a group that ensures children are given support and a stable environment if their parents are no longer around.
While the amount of money donated to charities is impressive, and not something we anticipated achieving all those years ago, the thing that makes this event even more special is that it is completely organised and supported by Colt employees who give up a lot of their own time to ensure that the event is as comfortable and equipped for the riders as possible. It is now an annual event that shows we live and breathe our values – thinking big and winning together. Thank you to everyone who makes this event possible and to those who are fundraising and riding to support these great charities. Now we’ve cracked the million mark, we are already planning the 2019 ride and we are excited about the possibilities for the future of the event as well as the good it can do for the many communities Colt is part of.
If you are looking for more information about the ride, or how you can support it, please reach out to myself or Danielle Reilly.
Louisa Gregory is the Chief of Staff at Colt
PRESS RELEASE:Knights in White Lycra Celebrates #GivingTuesday and Pledges to Start Partnership with YouMeWe NPO to Help Vulnerable Children in Japan
PRESS RELEASE
Knights in White Lycra Celebrates #GivingTuesday and Pledges to Start Partnership with YouMeWe NPO to Help Vulnerable Children in Japan
Tokyo, Japan November 20,2018 – This #GivingTuesday, KIWL will celebrate giving by formally partnering with YouMeWe NPO in 2019.
#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. Following Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping events [Black Friday and Cyber Monday], this year’s #GivingTuesday will take place on November 27th and will kick off the giving season by inspiring people to collaborate and give back.
About: Knights in White Lycra
The Knights in White Lycra is an amateur international group of men and women of all ages based in Japan who 'get fit and give back' through sport and social events. KIWL chooses a charity to support each year and specifically aims to provide funds to help improve the lives of children living in institutional care (children’s homes) in Japan. These are kids who have been abused, neglected or orphaned.
KIWL was formed in 2012 by long-term Tokyo resident Rob Williams and a few fellow overweight friends, realizing they needed to get fit but also wanted to give back. During a lively karaoke session, the famous 60’s hit ''Nights in White Satin'' gave birth to a name for a bicycle ride they never thought they would repeat.
In April 2013, they completed their maiden 330km cycling voyage to Minamisoma to raise funds for the Tohoku recovery. Six annual rides later, and after many fringe events, the Knights have raised over Y51 million for disadvantaged children in Japan.
Running KIWL in his spare time with Andrew Abbey and William Ramsay, Chair & Founder Rob Williams is often asked why KIWL continues to be so successful. “Seeing participants gain great personal satisfaction from achieving big physical feats, and the people who are moved and inspired by actually meeting the children for whom they are raising funds, are the key factors why KIWL continues to grow and participants keep coming back year after year”.
In 2019, KIWL is delighted to partner with YouMeWe as it helps disadvantaged kids living in children’s homes in Japan. This is a natural pathway for KIWL, given its recent association with Mirai no Mori, another excellent NPO working with Japanese children’s homes. In particular, the manner in which YouMeWe provides children with practical and employable skills for adult life, are the main driving factors behind KIWL’s decision to partner with YouMeWe next year.
“Our flagship fundraising event is the 4-day 500km bicycle ride which will take place between June 13-16 2019” said Williams. “We expect up to 50 people to participate in the ride. Each cyclist is expected to raise funds and the corporate sponsors featured on the official jersey are major contributors to funds raised”. KIWL will also host a walk, quiz, golf, marathon running, and a futsal event as part of its year-long calendar -- a little something for everyone.
KIWL is holding an information night on December 5th at Rapha’s store in Tokyo to allow new riders who are interested in the 500km event to learn more and ask questions. Formal commitment is not requested until end of January 2019, after which the final selection of riders is made if it’s over-subscribed. If you wish to join, please email Rob Williams, [email protected]
About YouMeWe NPO
OUR MISSION
Our primary mission is to help children growing up in institutionalized homes prepare for life outside the home once they reach the age of 18. We offer support programs that increase a child's opportunity to become a productive and financially independent young adult in their community. This means helping kids develop and hone critical skills such as language, writing, digital literacy, etc., and ultimately increase confidence levels that can lead to new opportunities and choices in the future. Providing tutoring support, internship opportunities, as well as guidance on university/technical school options will offer children another critical layer of support as they start to make plans for their future. Developed skill sets, solid communication abilities, and a thorough understanding of their options will help set kids on the right path towards successful independence.
This is no easy task for any child, but it can prove especially challenging for kids without continual 1:1 attention. It is our hope that by providing educational and mentoring-based support, we will be improving their overall chances.
OUR APPROACH
For the past decade we have been working closely with many children's homes in the Tokyo area to better understand each home's needs, unique environments and the interests of their kids. Further, we continue to learn about the various challenges each home faces and try to determine how we can best work together to develop support solutions. It is important to note that without first understanding the dynamic of each home and getting to know the staff and children, we would not be able to create effective and lasting support programs. The other element to achieving our mission is engaging the local community - through volunteering their expertise and time - as well as specific financial donations across the different programs.
#GivingTuesday
Founded in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y – a community and cultural center in New York City − #GivingTuesday inspired millions of people to give back and support the causes they believe in. Over $300 million was raised online to benefit a tremendously broad range of organizations, and much more was given in volunteer hours, donations of food and clothing, and acts of kindness.
“We are incredibly inspired by the way the #GivingTuesday community has embraced this concept for a worldwide movement,” said Henry Timms, founder of #GivingTuesday and Executive Director of 92Y. “As we prepare for November 27, we’re energized and encouraged by the community’s generosity. The levels of creativity, effort and the quality of the new ideas people have contributed and shared are phenomenal.”
Those who are interested in joining this #GivingTuesday initiative can visit Peatix: https://peatix.com/event/444389. For more details about the #GivingTuesday movement, visit the #GivingTuesday website (www.givingtuesday.org), Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/GivingTuesday) or follow @GivingTues and the #GivingTuesday hashtag on Twitter.
To learn more about #GivingTuesday participants and activities or to join the celebration of giving, please visit:
Website:
Peatix: https://peatix.com/event/444389