The Network of Democratic-schools in Japan 　

 

☆Objectives

To contribute to the children who are/will be attending the Democratic School, to develop and improve the Democratic School, and to promote the Democratic School

☆Activity details

(1) Promotion of the Democratic School, management of the information website, creation of leaflets about the Democratic School, and holding of events　for promotion

(2) Interacting with members and supporting them, management of email lists,　support of preparation groups, holding training events, member meetings and so on.

(3)Management of documents, translation of documents from Sudbury Valley　School into Japanese, collecting information on the Democratic School.

(4) Other work as required to achieve the necessary objectives

☆Volunteers/Support

We are looking for supporters who are happy to participate in the above-listed activities. We are also looking for:

・Volunteer document translators (English to Japanese)

・Volunteer event staff

・Those who would like to support the school via donations 

 

Each schools follows the same Democratic School policy following by Sudbury Valley School (MA, U.S.A).

 

☆What is a “Democratic School”?

It started with the Sudbury Valley School in the U.S.A in 1968. The students are ensured to have “freedom and rights” just like adults do, and they run the school through a democratic process. 

Children grow up to be responsible adults who are not only independent but also value social life and community. There are currently about 30 democratic schools in the U. S. A., and many more schools are growing being founded in other countries such as France, Israel, Germany, Japan and so on.

 

Sudbury Valley School Web-site http://www.sudval.org/

 

We believe that an environment that makes children feel secure, comfortable, and excited, helps them grow and thrive.

① Each child does what he/she wants to do in his/her own way at his/her own pace.There are no curriculum or classes set by adults. Children learn most effectively when their exploration is led by their own curiosity and intuition. They learn to take initiatives on their own, and learn to be responsible for their own choices and actions.

② We discuss and decide all of the school’s practices through democratic meetings that are open to all school members. Everyone (regardless of age or position) contributes to decision-making in an equal and fair manner. The children learn to develop good relationships with each other and with the school. Through this process, they learn to be responsible for their school and community.

③ Since children of different ages and staff connect/communicate with one another, they learn a lot from each other. There is no hierarchy, no classes, tests or grades.  Children learn to get along with people of diverse origins and personalities, by communicating freely.  They learn to respect differences in each other, and to live in a community.

④ Doing is learning. We do not separate playing and talking from studying. Any activity is an important lesson to us and a nourishment for our growth. By incorporating a wide variety of activities every day, children absorb what is necessary for them, and learn to overcome challenges on their own.