Providing education and experiences to children

Child poverty in Japan refers to relative poverty, with one in seven children said to be living in such situation. Parents' financial difficulties can cascade across generations, leading to lost learning and experience opportunities for their children, declining academic skills, and precarious employment, with children at risk of spiraling into poverty as well. To stop the negative cross-generational cycle, we are working to eliminate the education and experience gap.

In cooperation with Chance for Children, the Company plans to provide 300 million yen over three years to support the "SMBC Group Study Coupon" project.

In addition, we will provide support to expand the potential of children, who will be responsible for the future, through the planning and operation of projects by dispatching personnel to the organization, the provision of financial and economic education programs by our employees, and volunteer and pro bono activities.

In addition to providing Kumon method to children in orphanages, the SMBC Group will support their future independence through financial and economic education by employee volunteers, provide tablets necessary for learning, and partially support entrance exam fees for children wishing to enter university.

SMBC Group provided a financial education and career experience program, "Money Classroom & Job Experience," to 20 children attending after-school care operated by Chance For All. In the ‘Money Classroom’ workshop, the children learned basic financial skills through quizzes and lectures about the history and concept of money, aimed at helping them realize their life plans. Afterward, they learned about money management through videos and activities, contemplating and presenting on "smart ways to use and save money." Additionally, at KidZania Tokyo, where SMBC is an official sponsor, the children had the opportunity to experience various jobs and services. They also learned the importance of discussing and planning as a team which professions to explore, enhancing their understanding of teamwork and planning.