About APCC
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What is APCC?
Asian-Pacific Childrenʼs Convention in Fukuoka (APCC)APCC:Asian-Pacific Children's Convention was created as a commemorative event of the 1989 Asian-Pacific Exposition, in celebration of Fukuoka Cityʼs 100th anniversary. In 1989, the first APCC was implemented by Junior Chamber International Fukuoka, in partial commemoration of the national convention of the Junior Chamber International Japan. The JCI Fukuoka members who launched this project believed that by providing children a chance to be exposed to diverse values in the world at an early stage of their life – as 11-year-olds – while they are still sensitive and unsophisticated, they could cultivate a sensibility of peace and coexistence with people from different backgrounds. Through the establishment of this project, JCI Fukuoka members were also eager to contribute to enhancing the attraction of Fukuoka as a cosmopolitan city, which historically and geographically has had a key role in exchange between Japan and the cultures of continental Asia.
This civic movement, funded by the local government, donations from corporate sponsors and our Supporters' Association has developed from a simple international exchange event into an international educational program involving a number of cities and schools. In 1998, to commemorate the 10th APCC, an international network of former APCC participants, “BRIDGE CLUB” (BC), was founded. BC has branch organizations in a number of our participating countries and regions and they work to promote peace and coexistence between their members and the wider community. When the APCC marked its 20th anniversary in 2008, all the BCs came together and founded the "BRIDGE CLUB International Organization" (BCIO). BCIO has produced APCC Global BRIDGE Leaders who were expected to become the driving force to disseminate the APCC vision and strive to embody it through lively activities as OMOIYARI global citizens. During the same 20th year, APCC started the “Nurturing Project” which was continually conducted for the next decade, to further develop the children of Fukuoka by equipping them with global knowledge and perspectives after they had their first international exchange experience at age 11.
As outlined above, APCC got an early start working on the development of global leaders, a necessity which has now become an urgent national issue. Based on our achievements over the past years, we have expanded the range and aims of this effort. From 2019 we have added new features to our two main programs,"BRIDGE Summer Camp"and dispatch-type program centered on spring break ’"BRIDGE Challenge Trip"and provide even further support for our participants to grow. APCC has taken a step forward to keep building the bridge of OMOIYARI toward 50 and even 100 years from now. Children, with their flexible minds, curiosity and boundless energy, steadily carry our dreams and hopes towards fruition, opening up endless possibilities in the coming era.
We, as members of APCC, will become global citizens with an “OMOIYARI” spirit, creating a more peaceful world where the smiles of children abound.
Greetings
NPO corporation
Asian-Pacific Children's Convention in Fukuoka
Chairman Yutaka Aso
This year, we were able to hold the "BRIDGE Summer Camp" in person for the first time in four years, inviting a total of 225 overseas participants to Fukuoka. The various international exchanges that took place in Fukuoka over the course of about two weeks were a very impactful experience not only for the 11-year-old children, but also for the chaperones who accompanied them and the presidents of the Bridge Clubs in each country. The Fukuoka children who spent time with overseas children in homestays and at school were also able to experience the differences in culture and customs firsthand, while also developing friendships that transcend the language barrier. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all of you who support APCC on a daily basis, as it is only thanks to your continued support that we have been able to continue this unprecedented large-scale international exchange for 35 years.
In addition, the "BRIDGE Challenge Trip" project, which sends Fukuoka children abroad, was able to send about 70 children to four countries and regions in the spring. After a time when it was difficult to travel abroad due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they are finally able to spread their wings and fly out into the world. The world is becoming more globalized, and we live in an age where we can only speak Japanese with a select few people. If you can speak English, the world opens up wide. I hope that the children will be courageous and proactive in broadening their horizons.
In addition, we have also expanded our online business and educational website content, which we started during the COVID-19 pandemic. APCC has been able to provide various opportunities to many more children, not just in Fukuoka, and will continue to evolve without stopping in the future. We appreciate your continued support and cooperation.
Asian-Pacific Children's Convention in Fukuoka
APCC Supporters' Association
President Susumu Ishihara
The 35th fiscal year of the Asian Pacific Children's Conference in Fukuoka (APCC), BRIDGE KIDS PROGRAMS 2023, invited 41 groups and a total of 225 overseas participants from 34 countries and regions, and successfully concluded with the BRIDGE Summer Camp, an invitation-type program held in Fukuoka for the first time in four years, and the BRIDGE Challenge Trip, a dispatch-type program in which 60 children from Fukuoka traveled to four countries and regions to deepen intercultural exchanges on site.
APCC's activities had been postponed due to the impact of COVID-19, but we were finally able to restart in person in our 35th year. We had some concerns about running the event and recruiting participants as we held it after the COVID-19 pandemic, but we received a great deal of feedback from members of the public saying they had been looking forward to it resuming, and we were reminded of the great expectations and interest that people have in APCC's programs. We were also reminded of the necessity and mission of our activities to develop the children of Fukuoka through international exchange.
Since the first event in 1989, APCC has been linking countries and regions around the world for over 35 years, and we believe that this is of great significance to the globalization and future development of Fukuoka. We will continue to do our utmost to develop projects that will stimulate interest and curiosity in different cultures and international exchange among the children and citizens of Fukuoka.
Finally, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for your continued support this year. As the "Supporters Association," we would like to continue supporting APCC so that it will continue to flourish and develop. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your warm support.
Program details
APCC started as a participating project of "Yokatopia" in 1989, the 100th anniversary of Fukuoka city administration, and changed its name to "Yokatopia" on the 31st anniversary (2019).BRIDGE KIDS PROGRAMS"year,Invitation-type project “BRIDGE Summer Camp”"andDispatch type business “BRIDGE Challenge Trip”We are mainly developing two international exchange projects.
"BRIDGE KIDS PROGRAMS" is a dynamic initiative that transcends all boundaries, such as differences in culture, customs, language, and even generation, deepening mutual understanding through repeated "exchanges" and "dialogue," and overcoming barriers. The differences that exist in the world and around us may sometimes be irreconcilable, but through "exchange" and "dialogue" at "BRIDGE KIDS PROGRAMS", let's acknowledge those differences and understand each other. This will broaden our horizons. If we can connect with each other with these OMOIYARI hearts, our future will be bright and full of smiles. With children as the protagonists who connect the present and the future, adults with children's hearts will join together, and with the slogan "We are the BRIDGE," we will connect people and people, heart to heart, and make this vision a reality. I will aim for it.
Exchange Program in FUKUOKA
Every summer, we invited over 200 11-year-old Junior Ambassadors and Chaperones from over 30 countries and regions around the world. The entire city of Fukuoka will be treated as a large campsite, and a dynamic cross-cultural exchange will take place over about two weeks, including Homestay, School Visit and Exchange Camp in Fukuoka.
Overseas Exchange Program
Every year during spring break and every other year during summer break, we offer youths from Fukuoka an opportunity to go overseas and deepen their intercultural understanding through participating in programs of Homestay, School Visit and cultural activities with local children. This program also encourage their interest in and exploration of Japanese culture.
Related Programs/organizations
APCC's SDGs
Through our business, APCC is working towards achieving the goals of the SDGs and realizing a sustainable society.
Initiatives related to “education”
By experiencing international exchange from elementary school onwards, children acquire a global sensibility and develop an attitude of self-awareness and exploration. Many children who have experienced the project have started learning English on their own, expanded their interests, and gone on to explore the world.
Equality initiatives
Children from more than 30 countries and regions around the world come to Fukuoka to foster friendships that overcome differences in language, culture, politics, and religion, with the aim of creating a world where ``differences'' are accepted and ``we help each other.'' Masu.
Initiatives related to “peace”
APCC works with the vision of nurturing ``global citizens with OMOIYARI hearts'' and ``creating a world full of smiles for children.'' Having been active for over 35 years, OMOIYARI's heart has steadily spread all over the world.