Lighting the Path of Hope 希望の光を未来へつなぐ
 ～次世代のためにできること

Throughout her life, Dr. Goodall has shown a remarkable ability to turn adversity into purpose. Her words don’t just inform—they ignite a quiet flame in the hearts of listeners, offering wings to keep going.

"We are all interconnected"—this message resonated far beyond ecology. In Japan, too, Dr. Goodall has built bridges of hope among many. On this day, five guest speakers joined a conversation inspired by her words, sharing insights from their work in education and community building.

Naoki, who runs alternative learning spaces like free schools and after-school programs in nature-rich environments, spoke about the transformative power of nature: "Nature is overwhelming in its ability to awaken children's senses. The sea and mountains pour out endless treasures that go beyond learning—they are lived experiences."

He noted that taking children into nature requires courage and resolve from adults, and that his role is to create spaces where such encounters can happen. These experiences often become inner reference points—helping children recognize loss and environmental change in the future.

Naoki also introduced beachcombing as a way for children to discover marine waste issues through play."Joy is the best doorway to learning. If we can offer experiences where joy and discovery go hand in hand, nature will do the rest."

As a Kitchen & Garden Teacher of Edible School Yard Japan, Risa brings food-based learning to schools across Japan. Guided by the belief that "Beauty is the language of care," she fosters environments where children’s senses and inner awareness are naturally awakened. She spoke of the power in routines—starting lessons with a circle, creating meaningful space, and ending with shared reflection:

"Even tasting a single strawberry becomes a celebration. It’s not just about knowledge—it’s about shared joy, and that is what truly stays with us."

Risa likened hope to the light of a firefly: "Just like fireflies only appear where the water is clean, the light within each child needs a nurturing environment to shine."

Ryobun, Vice Principal of a Tokyo school that centers student-led inquiry, emphasized the power of emotion in learning: "Real learning begins with emotional resonance. A beautiful sea, the suffering of animals—those are the sparks."

His school offers students a full day of open inquiry each week, encouraging them to go outside, create, or rest. From this space, questions arise—leading students to meet passionate adults in the field.

"We must not offload the entire future onto children. Adults—educators, researchers, institutions—have a responsibility to walk alongside them."

He concluded: "Children are the light of hope. When they face a challenge—and meet an adult who shares their passion—that's when time expands. That’s where real hope is born."

Yuko, a public school art teacher, shared how he strives to support curiosity in his 35 students: "Listening to Dr. Jane’s story about her mother moved me deeply. I want to be someone who trusts and walks alongside children’s curiosity."

Even in a constrained school setting, Yuko creates tactile experiences—inviting students to explore books on environmental issues, touch real materials, and see the local world through photographs she captures on walks. "Even if we can’t go outside, we can grow the ability to notice."

She encourages children to express their interests through art and media and connects their work to the community: "I want to create lessons where both adults and children feel excited—where curiosity and creativity thrive together."

Rika reflected on the moment Dr. Jane entered the venue: "Despite her global schedule—traveling from the UK to Taiwan to Japan, and then on to Tanzania—she walked in with such calm and peace that it took my breath away."

She felt the same shine from the speakers and supporters gathered that day—each one a light of hope. Through such encounters, she believes, children begin to sense their own inner light. "These small moments of realization may one day illuminate the path for someone else. That, too, is hope."

PHOTO: KAORI NISHIDA

Co-hosted by:

The Goi Peace Foundation / Jane Goodall Institute Japan, NPO / Educators For Future (EFF)

Supported by:

British Embassy Tokyo