Awich launched “Know The World – Awich Global Education Project (Study Abroad in Atlanta & Study Abroad in Machinaka)” to provide free English study opportunities for young people from needy families in Okinawa Prefecture.
The project was launched with the hope of contributing to solving one of the social issues in Okinawa, where Awich is from, namely child poverty and the disparity in experiences. The project targets first-year high school students to 22-year-olds from needy households in Okinawa, and offers free homestay programs in the “Machinaka Studying Abroad” program at the homes of foreign residents in Okinawa and in the “Atlanta Studying Abroad” program in the United States, where Awich himself once studied abroad. HelloWorld Inc., which operates international exchange programs in Okinawa, Japan and abroad that lead to multicultural coexistence, will participate in the program’s operation.
On Tuesday, April 23, an online information session will be held for those who meet the application requirements, including a message from Awich himself, an explanation of the actual application process, and details on who is eligible for the project.
This project was launched based on the concept of “turning adversity into your strength.
The environment in my hometown, Okinawa, is truly a complex place with many different cultures, thoughts, and values.
The phrase “Know The World” means not only “to know the world” but also “to know how you feel after knowing the world.”
How do you feel through communication with people from different languages and backgrounds? I hope to create a cycle of understanding, communicating, and expressing my feelings, which will lead to my personal growth. Always be curious and continue to actively learn what you want to learn!
Awich
Know The World
1. Online Information Session for Applicants [Tuesday, April 23, 2024
We will hold an online information session for those who meet the application requirements, including a message from Awich itself, the actual application process, and details about who is eligible for the project.
2. Study Abroad in the City [June 8 (Sat.) – 9 (Sun.), 2024].
We will conduct a homestay program for 100 selected applicants at the home of a foreign resident in Okinawa.
There are foreigners from 120 countries living in Okinawa, and “Machinaka Gakuen” coordinates opportunities to experience real international exchange at the homes of foreign families from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
While the hurdles to studying abroad are rising due to the weak yen and rising cost of living, over the past three years, more than 9,000 people have participated in this study abroad experience, which can be done casually, even if it is only on weekends.
In this project, we expect that it will serve as a selection opportunity to study abroad in Atlanta, as well as an opportunity to bring the experience of international exchange and study abroad to more children and give them a chance to think deeply about their own lives.
3. Awich Lecture 【June 9 (Sun.)
After the study abroad program in Machinaka on Sunday, June 9, Awich himself will give a lecture about his past and future career to high school freshmen to 22-year-olds in Okinawa.
Awich herself experienced marriage and childbirth in Atlanta, and while raising her child as a single mother, she found success as an artist in Japan and is currently working energetically to expand her activities with the aim of winning a Grammy Award. Through her own words, Awich aims to foster in children the spirit of “turning adversity into strength” that her Okinawan predecessors possessed.
4. Study Abroad in Atlanta, U.S.A. (Early August)
Studying abroad in Atlanta was a major turning point in Awich’s life. During the summer vacation, Awich will visit Atlanta for 10 days to experience American and Atlanta culture through homestays and exchanges with local people of the same generation and Okinawa Kenjin Kai. Three participants will be selected from 100 participants of the study abroad program in the city.
Application Guidelines for Machinaka Study Abroad Program
◆Applicant qualifications
Residents of Okinawa Prefecture
High school freshman to 22 years old.
Those who live in a household receiving public assistance, schooling aid, or its equivalent.
Those who meet the first category of the household budget criteria for the scholarship as stipulated by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO).
Application period
April 23 – May 6, 2012
How to apply
Apply from the form on the special website.
Fill out the required information and answer each question. For the selection of the study abroad program in Atlanta, details will be announced to the participants of the study abroad program in Machinaka.