In December 2024, Seibo Japan, a certified NPO, held a lecture and workshop at Nihon University’s College of Humanities and Sciences, Department of Social Welfare. This opportunity arose thanks to a student involved with Nimaime no Meishi, another NPO, who collaborated with us on this project. The event was both enriching and impactful.
The Significance of Seibo Japan’s School Meal Support and Its Connection to International Social Welfare
Seibo Japan collaborates with local staff in Malawi as a partner of the government, specifically with the Ministry of Education, to provide school meals. This initiative not only promotes children’s education but also revitalizes the local community. Beyond mere nutritional supplementation, the program examines the broader impacts on community development and individual well-being from a social welfare perspective.
Applying the Concept of Social Welfare
In Japan, various social issues arise from diverse backgrounds, such as relative poverty, educational disparities, and unequal life experiences. These challenges are often addressed by social workers in direct engagement with people in need.
While contexts differ across nations, similar principles apply. For example, in Malawi, community-based childcare centers (CBCCs) were established by local mothers for children. The human skills required for such endeavors remain universally important, whether in Japan or Malawi, for fostering happy and active lives.
Photo Voice Workshop: Imagining Through Smiling Children
The workshop featured a Photo Voice activity, where students and faculty viewed photos of smiling Malawian children and imagined the circumstances behind those smiles. Participants wrote down their reflections, fostering a deeper connection between their experiences and the lives of the children.
The goal was to bridge the smiles of Japanese and Malawian children, finding commonalities and reflecting on the mindset and attitudes crucial for effective social welfare practices.
Practical Understanding of Social Business
Traditional social welfare often involved working within fixed frameworks in collaboration with government agencies. However, the evolving world demands adaptability, including identifying needs proactively and addressing them flexibly, without solely relying on administrative responses.
The lecture introduced the social business model of Seibo Japan, which uses Malawian coffee as a tool for social impact. Students not only learned about this model but also tasted the coffee during the session, gaining a tangible understanding of how business and welfare can intersect.
Through this lecture, we hope to have expanded the concept of social welfare, creating a unique moment that connects Malawi and Japan. We deeply appreciate the efforts of Nihon University, Nimaime no Meishi, and everyone involved in making this possible!