 Now in its eighth year, YFWP-Japan’s One Child One Peace (OCOP) is gaining greater recognition as a model project supporting early childhood education for poor children and for preparing youth as peacemakers and world citizens. Children learn the value of living for the sake of others and are educated not only in the classroom but through service projects to become leaders in their societies and nations. OCOP programs in China and the Philippines have provided scholarships, education materials, and support for school construction. Significantly, the programs have also worked to foster peace between the former World War II foes through exchange programs.
In June 2009, 10 children who graduated from the OCOP-supported Chi Cao Xiao Xing elementary school in China’s San-Ya City were chosen for scholarships for continuing education. YFWP- Japan President Kajikuri Masayoshi attended the ceremony and congratulated the students, presenting the scholarships to the selected students and designating the honorees as One Child Ambassadors for Peace. Following the presentations, the children entertained the delegation and other guests with singing, dance, and the production of an English play which they learned in English classes. “You came here for expanding
good will and peace with the heart of God." —Manila Mayor Alfredo Siojo Lim |
OCOP’s Philippines program is now in its sixth year, based upon a 2002 visit to the Mindanao city of Butuan, in which five Japanese Youth Federation volunteers established the OCOP program for Philippine children. Following that initial visit, support and exchange programs were initiated in Quezon in Luzon as well as Butuan and Manila. The annual visit of Japanese sponsors is one of main highlights of the project.
The May 2009 Japanese delegation took time to learn about Philippine history at a Manila museum before being received by local congressman and city officials in Butuan. At the support ceremony, the contributions of OCOP over the previous years were warmly recalled, as awareness of to this project is growing every year. Following ceremonies at Los Angeles Balunguy Hall and at the coastal city of Masao, where children, guardians and local youths joined in a service project and recreation at the beach, the delegation returned to Manila and held a support ceremony at Quezon City on the following day. At ceremony at the Manila City Hall on May 25, Manila Mayor Alfredo Siojo Lim welcomed the Japanese delegation and thanked them for their service to Philippine children: “You came here for expanding good will and peace with the heart of God, not only for enjoying yourself,,” Lim said. “And you try to visit a poor village, hold out your hands and help children who aren't blessed. It's the very significant thing to support [our children] this way from foreign countries in particular, and I welcome this. You helped children who weren’t blessed though economical, spiritual and moral support until they graduate from high school. This is not only one time support, but also you keep support continually in time passed by.”
Following the mayor’s remarks ten international couples held a brotherhood ceremony affirming bonds of friendship between the two countries. As one Japanese delegate reflected, “Looking back it was possible to realize the bond of the family love was spreading between all people associated with this project, not just between sponsors and the children.” Back in Japan, young supporters gathered to hear reports on the tour. In Osaka, 430 youth, including 30 Filipinos, attended a report and charity concert. In Tokyo, 820 youth heard reports, including a keynote speech by YFWP-Japan President Masayoshi Kajikuri. Local supporters meanwhile continued to prepare Christmas presents, write letters, and make origami crafts for the next visit or fund raising bazaar. In August, five Chinese delegates, including an elemental school principal with 30 OCOP-supported children, visited Japan to learn about their host country. Chinese representatives expressed thanks for economic and spiritual support, expressing hope that one day the children could repay the investment. After visiting Osaka abd Kyoto, the delegation received an enthusiastic welcome at YFWP-Japan headquarters in Tokyo and deepened bonds of friendship during sightseeing and recreation—including a visit to Tokyo Disney Land on the last day. YFWP appoints One Child Ambassadors for Peace to encourage the ideal of service for peace and in their daily life. For more information or to make a donation, contact YFWP-JAPAN at
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