Message from the Foundation
Message from Yasunori Kirihara, Executive Managing Director
I was assigned as Executive Managing Director effective July 1, 2008, as the successor to Teruaki Aoki. I am very proud of becoming involved in the management of this honorable foundation.
Sony's educational supporting activities began with the establishment of the Sony's Primary School Science Education Advancement Fund in 1959. This fund eventually changed its name to Sony Science Education Program for Children, and has continued its activities until today. These activities spawned Sony Science Teachers' Association (SSTA) which is a voluntary organization that conducts various research and training activities, and is one of our main supporting activities. In addition, our activity 'Sony Preschool Education Program for Children' which targets kindergartens and nursery schools is becoming more enriched year by year. These three activities constitute the main pillars of our foundation.
We have also started the activity called 'Wellspring of Science Inspirations' headed by Dr. Hideki Shirakawa, in recent years. Based on the theme "Learning from nature", the program provokes children to learn science and to think about the shape of their own future through feeling and exploring nature, together with friends and teachers. Additionally, from fiscal year 2007, we are expanding our activities to "Mono-zukuri (craftsmanship) class", international exchange, and so on.
In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of our educational supporting activities, some events such as jubilee are planned to be held in 2009. While respecting our tradition and past achievement, we would like to focus on the next 50 years of both Japan and the world, in order to contemplate the future role and direction of Sony's educational supporting activities. As always, we appreciate your continuing support and contribution for our activities.
