Aoi Sora no Kai is an organization that helps children in Guatemala keep attending school. Its website describes what the founders saw on the ground: many children start primary school but few finish, and some cannot go to school because they help at home or work.
The activity began in July 2004, born from the connection between supporters in Japan and teachers in Guatemala who wanted to work together. Each year, when the new school year starts in Guatemala, it looks for supporters who will help children attend school for a year.
In Japan, it shares its work by taking part in festivals and exhibitions, giving talks and holding report events. It also exhibits and sells products from the Gua Gua Project, and in 2024 it planned a commemorative event in Solola to mark its 20th anniversary, inviting supported children and teachers.
Key points
- Schooling support that responds to children's wish to learn
- More than 20 years of work together with teachers in Guatemala
- Festivals and exhibitions across Japan to share the work
Why this organization's work stands out
Its founding message says that study is not the only thing that matters, but that if children want it, it matters most. This shows how much it values the voices of local people, and working side by side with local teachers is a useful reference.
There are several ways to help, from becoming a supporter who backs a child's schooling to visiting events and exhibitions. It is an easy organization to approach for anyone who wants to start international cooperation in a familiar way.
Editor's comment
It feels like a warm activity that puts children's simple wish to go to school at the center.
Ways to support and the latest event information are on the official website. Please take a look.