Post 3/11. Looking back on what we did and are still doing.
This was an interview from many years back with Yamakawa sensei of Matsubaen and one of two children (adult at the time of the interview) who went into the institutional care system post the tsunami.
He was heading home from school when the tsunami warning alarm sounded and he was torn between heading home to his grandmother whose house was on the cliff of the ocean and back to school which is what the alarm was telling him.
We never found his house with his grandmother and great grandmother in it.
His grandfather who raised him was on his fishing boat and thought lost until a neighbor found him a year later in a hospital in Keisanuma where he washed ashore.
This young man came into the home after many unfortunate circumstances.
He was part of our digital citizenship classes. Graduated and then due to other circumstances came to work for us. We worked with his support team to get him back on track. He eventually worked at Disney which was his dream and then was able to find permanent employment.
St. Francis
This week, we taught the kids at St.Francis Children's home how to spot scams and cat-fishing on the internet. As always, thank you to all our dedicated volunteers! Interested in volunteering? Contact us at: [email protected]
Today marks 15 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Out of that tragedy came something powerful - a reminder that kizuna, the bonds between people, are what carry us through the hardest moments and the quietest ones too.
At YouMeWe, we see that spirit every single week. Volunteers who show up - sometimes on holidays, sometimes after a long day - to sit with the children in the homes we support and help them prepare for exams, build skills, and believe in what comes next.
When we started out only 5% of the orphanages had wifi. We bought 350 brand new laptops and shipped them to Iwate, Sendai and Fukushima and kicked off what we call the Digital Citizenship course. Now all 33,000 kids at 600 orphanages have wifi and post Covid most every child has their own device.
On this day of remembrance and community, we want to ask: will you join the village?
Just 2 hours of your time to tutor children online can make a real difference in a young person's life. These kids are preparing for life after 18, and they need people in their corner.
DM us if you have questions. We'd love to have you.
#YouMeWeNPO #Kizuna #311 #YouthEmpowerment #DigitalInclusion#Volunteers #AlternativeCare
Two new ambassadors, two big dreams.
Today we kicked off their mentoring journey with more than just a laptop. Together we walked through a 4-year budget in Excel - tuition, rent, food, transport - so they can see the real numbers, calm the anxiety, and decide where part-time work and extra support might be needed.
One is on the path to becoming a teacher, the other to studying management. Thanks to our amazing donors and CSR partners, their laptops are one less expense to worry about, and an essential tool for lectures, assignments, and tracking their monthly spending.
Our Fostering Higher Education Mentor Program pairs each mentee with a mentor for at least the first two years, often well into adulthood - because navigating money, work, and study takes time and support.
Seeing these two students transform from anxiety to having a real plan reminds us why this work matters. When you give youth in care the tools AND the guidance, they don't just survive university - they thrive.
Want to help more young people step into their future with confidence instead of fear?
• Volunteer as a mentor
• Learn more about our program
• Explore donating or partnering as a company
Reach out to us at [email protected] - you're not just funding devices, you're changing lives.
#YouMeWeNPO#YouthEmpowerment#DigitalInclusion#SocialImpact#fortheyouth
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Big Donation for Matsubaen!
On Saturday 3/7, YouMeWe donated 23 computers to young adults who have aged out of Matsubaen.
As they begin their next chapter, whether continuing their education, searching for jobs, or building independent lives, we hope these computers help support their goals and create new opportunities.
We wish all of them the best of luck as they move forward. We are cheering you on. 💙
If you are interested in supporting YouMeWe or making a donation, please reach out to us at [email protected]
March graduation season is here - a pivotal moment for young people everywhere, but especially meaningful for youth aging out of institutional care
While their classmates celebrate endings and new beginnings, these young adults face unique challenges as they transition to independence. School may be over, but their need for mentorship, guidance, and practical support continues.This is where you come in. Help them write their next chapter with confidence and skills for the future.We make sure they have their own laptop as they head into their future.Ready to make a difference? Join our next volunteer orientation session. Sign up through the link in our bio or contact us directly at [email protected] takes a village - and every volunteer matters.
The day is approaching! 20 days until the Imperial Palace Walk
Sign up with the QR code now! It only takes a few minutes - grab your friends, don’t wait!
Every step we take helps support a brighter future! We’ll see you there!
Join the Imperial Palace Walk through GlobalGiving’s Little by Little campaign
Boost your contribution to YouMeWe by signing up for our Imperial Palace Walkathon during GlobalGiving’s Little by Little campaign (March 17th-20th). Donations made during the four-day campaign will be eligible for a 50% match (up to $50 per donor), helping every donation go even further! Learn more about the campaign by scanning the QR code!
Donations being Made!
This week, we are distributing 6 donated tablets to a children's home in Japan! Thank you to The Carter Group & Horizon Japan International for their kind donation!
Grass-roots Webinar March 6th
Join us for an engaging online webinar exploring the power of grass-roots movements and the role of non-profits in shaping our society!
🗓 March 6th (Friday)
�⏰ 9:00 AM JST�
📍 Zoom (Online)
What you’ll learn:�• Grass-roots movements from ancient times to the present day�• How these movements affect the economy
�• The development and transformation of non-profits�
• How to participate with awareness and purpose�
• Nonprofits in Japan: History and case studies
If you're interested in getting involved in your community, learning more about NPOs, or creating positive change, this webinar is for you!
Everybody is welcome, we hope to see you there!
Tahanan Feb 22nd 2026
In this week’s lesson, the students at Tahanan were hard at work coding their own versions of Pong! We were also thrilled to welcome a new student to the class. We can't wait to see how their skills evolve 💖 Get involved: https://youmewenpo.org/how-to-volunteer
We would like to thank Decathlon for their donation of 8 computers!
We would like to thank Decathlon for their donation of 8 computers! Learn more about them here: https://www.decathlon.co.jp
Meet our volunteer Melissa!
Meet our volunteer Melissa!
Sign up to volunteer here:
https://youmewenpo.org/how-to-volunteer
St. Francis Feb 18th 2026
This Monday, our students at St Francis learned about online privacy and how to be safe on the internet. 💻 After the lesson, we had some fun playing charades together! We have also started English Lessons once again! 📚 Our volunteers are working closely with students to support their English schoolwork and help them prepare for upcoming tests.
A huge thank you to everyone who came out to volunteer! ✨ Interested in joining us? Contact [email protected] to get involved!
This Valentine's Day, let's talk about real love - community love!
Forget the chocolate boxes. The most valuable gift you can give isn't something you buy at a store. It's your time, your presence, your mentorship.
Salesforce send Love Letters..A-Z flashcards for children’s homes.
Every week, our volunteers show up for the children in our programs. They give 2 hours that change lives. They help young people in institutional care prepare for their futures with English tutoring, life skills, and simply knowing someone cares.
That's community love in action.
This week, will you join our village? Give 2 hours of your time. Show up for a young person who needs to know they matter.
Because raising children takes all of us. And showing up is just the right thing to do.
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