These awards have been given out since 1973, in recognition of meritorious, long-term endeavors by individuals and groups making a contribution to communities in Ibaraki Prefecture.
This contest, which has been held since 1972, is open to students of primary and junior-high schools in Ibaraki Prefecture. The contestants’ views of Ibaraki life, society and culture provide an enriching experience.
This is for primary schools in Ibaraki Prefecture. Each year, a number of schools are selected as recipients of funding. To be selected, a school must have a well-balanced curriculum and show outstanding achievement in raising the awareness of community ties, and in fostering a spirit of mutual help.
The foundation established the Hitachi Family Education Center in 1974 (in the city of Hitachi) and the Hitachi Family Education Research Institute in 1978 (in Yokohama), which provide classes for preschoolers and mothers.
In the preschool program, children of ages two and three attend class once a week for a year, learning to interact with others their age by playing together. For their mothers, there are classes where they can talk with experts about child development and education, and get together with other mothers. There are now also classes for fathers, where they can learn more about fostering their child’s development through play-like activities.
The Family Education Research Committee, which was set up in 1978, plays a central role in the activities of the Hitachi Family Education Center and the Hitachi Family Education Research Institute, vigorously promoting family education research and development.
The committee is made up of experts in a range of fields that include pedagogy, psychology, sociology, mental health and preschool education.
Attended by childcare professionals and government personnel, as well as by students and ordinary mothers, symposiums address Japan’s family education issues and problems from many perspectives to seek fresh answers.
These seminars are a major support resource for mothers and other people involved in the daily education of preschool children, especially those are seeking answers to their problems and concerns. Talks are given by members of the Family Education Research Committee, Center and Research Institute, and are followed by discussions.
For preschool educators and educational institutions, the foundation publishes "The Journal of the Family Education Research Institute," which presents the results of surveys and studies conducted by the Family Education Research Committee, the Hitachi Family Education Center and the Hitachi Family Education Research Institute.
