TOMODACHI High School Women Career Mentoring Program in Fukushima 2019 supported by the TOMODACHI Combini Fund: In STEP3, High School Sophomore Women Find Role Models
From December 14 to 15, 2019, STEP3 of the TOMODACHI High School Women Career Mentoring Program in Fukushima 2019 supported by the TOMODACHI Combini Fund was held at the National Olympic Memorial Youth Center in Yoyogi, Tokyo. This year, the participating high school students met with 19 female employees representing seven Seven companies (Kikkoman Corporation, All-Nippon Airways Co., Ltd., Pasona Inc., FamilyMart Co., Ltd., Fukoku Mutual Life Insurance Company, Mizuho Bank, Ltd., and Lawson, Inc.), as well as three TOMODACHI staff members. The theme of the workshop was a “Session with Global Career Women.”
Before the session began, participants first presented the results from the personal challenges they set for themselves during the previous session. Students reported on their various achievements, with one student sharing that she visited an educational institution and spoke with children to prepare for her dream of becoming a teacher, while another shared that she tried to make amends with a junior high school friend. Other participants shared unique goals of interviewing positive-thinking people and putting their advice into practice, speaking more than three times in class, and talking with three individuals from developing countries to better understand their situation. The students applauded one another’s challenges and achievements.
Afterwards, the female professionals gave presentations based on the theme “Choices for My Future.” They each discussed ways their own companies and organizations contribute to society as a whole, as well as what they have gained from their working experiences. They also shared their life stories and delivered heartfelt messages to the high school students.
The participants then teamed up to present on “the qualities needed to become a future shining light.” They were able to envision their own “future as role models” who can consider their feelings and be open-minded even as adults, speak freely and openly, inspire change in others, find enjoyment in any situation, treasure their bonds with others through communication, put their hearts and souls into their work, and try anything and everything!
The high school students participating in the program shared the following about their experiences: “A vision of my future popped into my head, and I’m looking forward to reaching it.” “Just do it, speak honestly, and live my own life: those words stuck with me. Though I worry about my future path, I’m going to do my best.” “I thought I needed to do everything by myself. But after listening to the female employees’ presentations, I feel less stressed knowing I can ask for help when I need it. Though I don’t have any major projects right now, I am excited to find something to do.”
On the second day of the program, the students prepared presentations for STEP4. After dividing into teams, students discussed ways schools can attract prospective students, such as, “have a school orientation” or “ask teachers to put informational posters on the notice boards.” STEP4 will be held in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture from February 1 to 2, 2020. Students will present what they learned through the program and ways they have been impacted, and deliver a message to high school freshmen.
“An Opportunity to Make Oneself and Make a Future: LIVE”
Date: February 2, 2020 12:30-17:00
Place: Higashi Nippon International University, Kamata Campus
Application Requirement: Female students in their first year of high school attending school in Fukushima
