01 . 01 . 2004
Let us begin by wishing all of our colleagues and associates a very happy new year.
The Sony Foundation for Education now enters its fourth year since it underwent a basic reorganization in 2001, the first year of the new millenium.
The Sony Science Education Program for Children, which provides assistance to schools with educational projects designed to "foster children with enquiring attitudes and an appreciation for the sciences," received applications from 239 schools across Japan during 2003. A total of 129 schools qualified for awardment, including the three schools that qualified for the Full Awardment. The Sony Preschool Education Program for Children, which provides assistance to schools (kindergarten and nursery) with educational projects designed to foster "children with inquiring and scientific attitudes," received applications from 65 schools across Japan during 2003. A total of 47 schools qualified for awardment, including the five that qualified for the Full Awardment.
Reports on the most advanced projects were provided at specially planned research announcement meetings and the National Science Education Conference, so that results could serve as good educational reference for teachers at schools and preschool institutions throughout Japan. A large number of teachers participated in the conference and the research announcement meetings.
The Sony Science Teachers Association (SSTA), a voluntary research and training organization comprised of 2000 primary and junior high school teachers, is actively involved in holding leadership-fostering workshops, theme-development workshops and local-chapter workshops and in developing network-based training techniques.
Last year's election of the foundation directorship and educational council members selected representatives with a very strong interest in education. This has, no doubt, contributed to the fact that the board of directors and educational council meetings have been very well attended and discussion has often exceeded the scheduled time.
The support of the directors and counselors has been exemplary, with even those members unable to attend taking steps to submit their views on issues at later dates. We are grateful for the support and encouragement that we have received.
Activities in 2004 will basically reflect those of 2003, with certain improvements to content and ongoing efforts to improve the cost versus effectiveness ratio. The Early Development Activity Center, which, together with its forerunner (Early Development Association) established by Masaru Ibuka, has been active in raising awareness of the importance of the relationship between mother and child during the first three years of life. The Center has now entered the winding down phase of its activities. The Early Development Activity Center will be closed in March 2006.
The Sony Foundation for Education always approaches project evaluation with the focus on innovation and look for ways to continue important innovative efforts in future programs and projects.
The Foundation has also been expanding the content provided on its web site in order to better support associates and colleagues. A new English language section is also being developed.
The Japanese language section is updated bimonthly, the English section monthly and the latest news bulletins appear as they occur. We hope that you will find the Foundation's website a useful educational reference for your own educational activities.
