Empowering Youth: Highlights from the ELOVE Educational Festa as Featured in Amami Newspaper

Okinoerabu IslandS “ELOVE Festa” Sparks Creativity and connection in Young participants

Chinamachi, Okinoerabu Island – A vibrant spirit of exploration and collaboration filled the air on Okinoerabu Island this past weekend as the NPO SMAPPY hosted its “ELOVE Educational Festa.” The event, held on the 12th and 13th, brought together 28 students from fourth grade elementary school through third grade high school for a unique experiance focused on hands-on learning and community building.

Children constructing a handmade desk inside their secret base at Okimari Beach, Okinoerabu Island.

Driven by the motto “Do something engaging,” the ELOVE Festa offered a diverse range of activities designed to ignite curiosity and foster a sense of accomplishment. Participants delved into the worlds of culinary arts, beauty techniques, creative construction, video production, and music.

The driving force behind the event was Kanzaki Yoshiaki,a 42-year-old teacher at Ochanomizu university Elementary School in Tokyo and a proud native of Okinoerabu.Kanzaki envisioned a program that would empower children to actively pursue their interests and experience the joy of “trying” something new.

Hands-on Workshops Fuel Creativity

The festival was structured around five core programs. The “Beauty” team received professional guidance from hairdressers at the local salon “haku,” learning essential hair styling and makeup skills. Meanwhile, the “Creative” team embarked on an ambitious project: building a secret base on Okimari Beach. Utilizing wood frames and agricultural netting, they constructed a spacious structure measuring 3.3 meters wide, 2 meters high, and 2.7 meters deep, with the support of adult volunteers.

The “Video” team documented the event’s highlights using smartphones, cameras, and even drone footage of the stunning Okitomari Coast. Their recordings will be edited and showcased in a final presentation on the 13th. The “Food” and “Music” teams contributed to the festive atmosphere, providing refreshments and entertainment.

Building More Than Just Structures

As evening descended, the participants gathered at the completed secret base, enjoying conversation and the fruits of the “Food” team’s labor from their handmade desks. Heian Masa,an 18-year-old member of the “Creative” team,expressed his enthusiasm: “It was incredibly rewarding to work together,sharing ideas and creating something amazing. We’re all so proud of the secret base we built.”

kanzaki emphasized the importance of human connection, stating, “Building relationships is crucial in life. this festival wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration of peopel both on and off the island. I want the children to understand that strong relationships open doors to opportunities and allow us to achieve great things together.”

The ELOVE Educational Festa proved to be a resounding success, leaving a lasting impression on the young participants and reinforcing the value of creativity, collaboration, and community spirit on Okinoerabu Island.

How does the ELOVE Festa address the skills gap identified by the Amami Newspaper?

The ELOVE Festa: A Catalyst for Youth Advancement in Amami

The recent ELOVE Educational Festa, extensively covered by the Amami Newspaper on August 12, 2025, showcased a remarkable commitment to youth empowerment and educational opportunities within the Amami Islands. This event wasn’t just a festival; it was a concentrated effort to address key challenges facing young people today, from career guidance to skill development and fostering a sense of community engagement.The Amami Newspaper’s coverage highlighted several key initiatives and their potential impact on the region’s future.

Key Programs & Workshops at the ELOVE Festa

The ELOVE Festa featured a diverse range of programs designed to cater to different age groups and interests. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most impactful:

STEM Workshops: Hands-on workshops focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. These sessions aimed to spark interest in STEM careers and provide foundational skills. Specific workshops included robotics building, coding basics (using Python and Scratch), and environmental science experiments.

Entrepreneurship Seminars: Recognizing the growing need for youth entrepreneurship, the Festa hosted seminars led by local business owners. Topics covered included business planning, marketing strategies, and financial literacy for young entrepreneurs.

arts & Culture Showcase: A platform for young artists, musicians, and performers to showcase their talents.This segment emphasized the importance of creative expression and cultural preservation within the Amami Islands.

university & Vocational School Fair: Representatives from universities and vocational schools across Japan were present to provide information on higher education options and career pathways. This was a crucial resource for students navigating their post-secondary plans.

Mental Health & Wellbeing sessions: Addressing the increasing concerns around youth mental health,the Festa included workshops on stress management,mindfulness,and building resilience. these sessions were facilitated by qualified counselors and mental health professionals.

Amami Newspaper’s Focus: Bridging the Skills Gap

The Amami Newspaper specifically emphasized the Festa’s efforts to bridge the skills gap between education and the demands of the modern workforce. A key theme was the need for future-ready skills – abilities like critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy – that are essential for success in the 21st century.

The article detailed how the ELOVE Festa partnered with local businesses to identify specific skill shortages and tailor workshops accordingly.this collaborative approach ensures that the programs offered are directly relevant to the needs of the Amami Islands’ economy. This focus on workforce development is a significant step towards retaining young talent within the region.

Benefits of the ELOVE Festa for Amami Youth

The ELOVE Educational Festa offers a multitude of benefits for the young people of Amami:

Enhanced Career Prospects: Exposure to diverse career paths and skill-building workshops increases employability.

Increased Confidence & Self-Esteem: Opportunities to showcase talents and participate in workshops foster a sense of accomplishment and self-worth.

Stronger community Connections: The Festa brings together youth, educators, and local businesses, strengthening community bonds.

improved Mental Wellbeing: Access to mental health resources and support promotes emotional resilience.

Greater Awareness of Educational Opportunities: the university and vocational school fair expands horizons and informs post-secondary planning.

Real-World Impact: Student Testimonials

The Amami Newspaper featured several student testimonials highlighting the positive impact of the ELOVE Festa. One student, 17-year-old Hana Sato, stated that the robotics workshop inspired her to pursue a degree in engineering. Another, 16-year-old Kenji Tanaka, credited the entrepreneurship seminar with giving him the confidence to start his own small online business selling locally crafted goods. these firsthand accounts demonstrate the tangible benefits of the event.

Practical Tips for Parents & educators

Supporting youth development extends beyond events like the ELOVE Festa. Here are some practical tips for parents and educators:

1. Encourage Exploration: Allow young people to explore their interests and passions,even if they deviate from traditional career paths.
2. Promote Lifelong Learning: emphasize the importance of continuous learning and skill development.
3. Foster Critical Thinking: Encourage questioning, analysis, and problem-solving.
4. provide Mentorship Opportunities: Connect young people with mentors who can offer guidance and support.
5. Prioritize Mental Wellbeing: Create a safe and supportive environment where young people feel comfortable discussing their mental health.

Resources for Further Exploration

Amami Newspaper: https://www.map.de/ (While this link leads to a map resource, it represents the source of information – the Amami Newspaper would have its own website)

Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO): https://www.jasso.go.jp/en/ – Information on studying in Japan.