Jakarta Japan Network (J2net) is a citizen group that carries out a variety of volunteer activities for children living in difficult circumstances in Indonesia. It began in October 1999 as a network of Japanese people living in Jakarta, and started activities in Japan as well in 2001.
Its main activities include scholarships for children who cannot attend school, translating picture books into Indonesian and donating them to schools and community libraries, skills-training for instructors of children with disabilities, and fair trade. Working with local NGOs, it is active in Solo and Bali as well as around Jakarta.
In Japan, it also visits schools to hold international understanding classes that introduce life and culture in Indonesia to children. The name "J2net" comes from the two "J"s that overlap in Jakarta Japan Network.
Key points
- Locally rooted citizen support started by Japanese residents of Jakarta
- Scholarships support, for one year, children recommended by trusted local organizations or individuals
- Picture-book translation and international understanding classes also promote mutual understanding between Indonesia and Japan
Why this organization's work stands out
J2net values seeing the schools and children it supports with its own eyes and aims for scholarship support that is rooted in the local community. Relationships where people know each other's faces are the foundation of its work.
Beyond financial support, there are many ways to take part from Japan, such as picture-book translation, volunteer experiences and international understanding classes.
Editor's comment
Supporting children as fellow citizens who share the same era feels warm and sincere. Exchange through picture books is a lovely approach.
Details of the activities and ways to support are on the official website. Please take a look.