Becoming a presence that stands by children with a citizen's perspective

CforC is a program conducted by PIECES to foster regional citizenship.
These are writings from participants during the program about the changes they felt in themselves and their hopes for the future.

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Before encountering CforC

I took a citizen's course in the area where I live, and since then, I have been working as a counselor at elementary and junior high schools for about 10 years. At school, I am called "teacher," but in terms of my position, I am neither a teacher nor a parent; I exist as someone at school who listens to stories, watches over them, and is someone they can rely on when they are in trouble.

Because I am a presence close to the children, I sometimes hear serious stories. It is not a problem if listening is enough, but cases also arise where I must convey this to the school, family, or external organizations.

In such cases, as I am not a specialist, there is nothing I can do, and I have to entrust it to the teachers. Sometimes the situation the child is in is not conveyed well, or the child in trouble is perceived as a troublesome child who always has problems and requires extra care.

Given this situation, when I was feeling the limits of my role within the school, I encountered the CforC program, which is a "program to foster citizenship that prevents the isolation of children and youth" and "transforms the power of citizens into the power of society."CforCThe term "citizenship" was very fresh, and I had an intuition that "this is it!" I thought it would be wonderful if a society could be created where citizens could exercise their power as citizens to support children.

About the CforC program

The program during the COVID-19 pandemic made full use of online tools.
Since it was my first time taking a program online, I joined Zoom feeling nervous about how I would interact with participants of different ages, regions, and positions. However, from the day of the first lecture, my nervousness immediately turned into excitement.

In the CforC program, the phrase "creating a gentle space" often comes up, and I felt that this program was truly a "gentle space" where we "listen to the other person's words, never deny them, and it is a safe and secure place."

In the lectures and seminars, I was able to hear valuable stories from instructors who are active on the front lines. And I was able to spend meaningful time working on the day's assignments while working with the participating peers.

In the reflection sessions, I was able to look back on the dialogues I had with children, dig up my own wishes and feelings I hadn't noticed before, and have an experience like meeting another version of myself. Everything was well thought out so that I could step up without strain, and it was a very satisfying content.

From me who took the CforC program

For me, who had been feeling conflicted about my work as a counselor, taking this program allowed me to check the answers to the activities I had been doing so far, affirm myself by thinking "this was okay," notice that "there are other ways to do things," and face myself by thinking "I need to value myself more."

Also, the interaction between students was fun and has become a place that supports me. I am grateful to have met peers who encourage each other, share information, and give each other new perspectives.

If there is anyone who is thinking about taking this program, I would definitely recommend it. You don't have to worry because you don't have specialized knowledge or because you want to be involved with children but don't have experience yet.

As long as you have the feeling of "I want to be involved with children as a citizen," you will naturally acquire various knowledge while taking this program. It's not a stiff feeling of "I'm going to study," but if you just surrender yourself to the program, the staff, instructors, and peers will guide you to a new world.

Finally

I jumped into this because of the word "citizenship," but this program made me realize once again that the counselor job I am doing is something I became after taking a citizen's course, and my position is a "role where I can exercise citizenship."

A casual greeting or word might lighten their hearts. Just having someone always nearby watching over them might give them courage. If it becomes a place where they can cry or vent, it might relieve their stress. I will do what I can. I don't have to do anything special; I just need to keep my feelings directed toward the children. When the time comes, I will be their greatest ally and think together with them. And I will think more about how to smoothly pass the baton to the teachers and professionals around me. That is what I am thinking now.

I will continue to use what I learned in this program to gently stand by the children in my own way.

CforC2021Graduate Y.R

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We are currently recruiting participants for Citizenship for Children 2023. At the participant recruitment briefing, we will explain the overview and features of this program, and have CforC graduates take the stage to talk about their respective backgrounds, learning, and changes after participating in CforC. Please feel free to watch the briefing first, anyone is welcome.

The CforC2023 recruitment briefing will be held on 7/18. Recording viewing is also possible.

Applications for the basic course are accepted until 8/18.

The detailed page for CforC is here! Reports and participant notes regarding CforC are
here!