The year 2026 could not have started in a better way, as HelloWorld hosted another special pro-bono homestay program in collaboration with Ashinaga Foundation for the fourth consecutive year.
Thanks to the generous donations made to our Machinaka Fund, HelloWorld was able to fully fund this program. This allowed 30 students from all over Japan, representing more than seven prefectures, including Hokkaido and Kyushu, to stay one night with our international host families completely free of charge.
The Machinaka Fund is a fundraiser created by HelloWorld to connect partner organizations and individual donors who share our vision. Our goal is to create a world in which all children have access to high-quality educational opportunities by providing children from disadvantaged backgrounds with such opportunities at no cost to them.
HelloWorld’s mission to ensure all children have access to high-quality educational opportunities continues through the Machinaka Fund initiative. If you would like to learn more about the Machinaka Fund, you can visit this page.
Let’s take a deeper look into the program!
The students enjoyed a homestay experience with 12 host families from seven different countries.
They enjoyed learning about new cultures while participating in the families’ daily lives.
Even in just one night, so much was shared, including home-cooked meals, casual conversations, laughter across cultures, and moments of genuine connection.
For the students, it was a chance to experience a warm home environment. For the host families, it was a reminder of how powerful simply opening your door can be.
Comment from Ana, Project Manager (HelloWorld)
The experience was very inspiring because, although the students came from all over Japan, they were all eager to learn and challenge themselves. I was happy to see that, by the end, they had all become good friends and felt a closer connection to the host families’ home countries.
The idea of participating in an exchange program or traveling abroad also became more accessible to them. These goals can sometimes feel out of reach due to daily financial difficulties; however, as a kind member of the Ashinaga Foundation mentioned in his closing speech, there are always supportive adults willing to help young people achieve their dreams.
I am very grateful to our amazing host families for being such generous people and for once again broadening the participants’ horizons.
Comment from Host Family and Guest
It was a privilege to have had the opportunity to work with two motivated and bright young ladies through the Ashinaga program! We had a wonderful time with our activities, and it was a joy to see them fully engaged. I hope the experience remains a meaningful memory for them for years to come.
Host Parent
I was able to have experiences that I definitely could not have achieved on my own. I feel like I have moved one step closer to becoming someone who can view things from a global perspective. I plan to continue studying English and want to communicate with others more actively in the future.
Guest
The Ashinaga Foundation is a well-known organization based in Tokyo that supports children and young people in Japan who have lost one or both parents. They provide not only financial aid but also emotional and academic support, helping students move forward with confidence and hope. For more information on the Ashinaga Foundation, please visit their official website.
