Case Study: Keimei Gakuen, Japan – Stitches for Riches and Summer Baraza
At Keimei Gakuen in Japan, students have been building connections across borders and communities through two transformative initiatives: the Stitches for Riches (SFR) campaign and the Summer Baraza. These programs, guided by Round Square IDEALS of service, leadership, and internationalism, give students opportunities to take initiative, develop resilience, and make a tangible difference.
The Stitches for Riches campaign, launched in 2014, brings together students to support Cambodian mothers and children. “Before we visit Cambodia, students meet every Tuesday after school to cut cloth for the mothers to sew into bags, bottle holders, and other products,” explains Asako Kohata, the Junior and Senior High School Round Square Representative. During summer, a group of 15–20 students travels to Cambodia to deliver the cloth and work directly with the mothers. They bring the finished products back to Japan to sell at the school festival, generating income that helps Cambodian families and supports children’s education.
Participation in SFR is structured yet flexible. Students can join the project from grade 10 and often continue until grade 12, depending on personal circumstances. Some students are able to travel to Cambodia each year, while others join virtually or through preparation activities at school. “Once students return from Cambodia, they become more active,” says Asako. “Their service spirit grows, and they contribute more to school life.” Leadership roles are assigned within each grade, with Grade 11 students often taking responsibility for guiding their peers. These roles foster tenacity: even students who initially hesitate to speak begin to initiate and take charge. One leader, previously shy in class, “started to speak up not only in class but also in homeroom meetings and other events,” demonstrating how responsibility nurtures both confidence and resilience.
Student reflections highlight the emotional and practical challenges of these experiences. Preparing for SFR and the school festival is rarely straightforward. Risa, a Grade 11 leader reflected, “The most difficult part was when I realized that no matter how hard I tried, I would not be able to complete the preparations in time. But I learned that asking for help is not a sign of defeat, but the best way to move forward.” Kotaro noted, “I felt frustrated trying to advance discussions when communication was difficult, but I learned to persevere and collaborate despite the obstacles.”
Alongside SFR, the Summer Baraza was established in 2018 to strengthen human interaction and leadership skills, particularly among international students, though domestic students now participate as well. Students organize and run activities for younger peers on the same campus, from DIY lava lamps to pool games like Marco Polo. “The most important thing I took from this year’s Baraza was that it is not easy leading a group and supervising little children,” one leader explained. “I learned that I sometimes have to compromise what I want in order to satisfy everybody and that I have to be flexible and alert so I can recover from failures.”
The Baraza also nurtures creativity and perspective. Students reflected on the ways their thinking has broadened: “I learned that the world I knew was actually very small…Being a leader was mostly about small tasks and communication with people, not something glamorous. But these quiet jobs are necessary.” They come to appreciate that service is not only about helping others but about growing together, building relationships, and learning from diverse experiences. Frankie offered advice to future participants: “Even though the event is focused on the children, that does not mean you cannot have fun yourself. It is okay to play with the kids and be a little kid again for the day.”
Both initiatives have demonstrated the power of student-led action. By trusting students’ initiative, giving them space to take responsibility, and allowing them to navigate challenges themselves, Keimei Gakuen fosters a culture where leadership, tenacity, and empathy are cultivated in equal measure. Through Stitches for Riches and the Summer Baraza, students not only gain insight into social issues and international communities but also learn resilience, collaboration, and the lasting impact of thoughtful action.
