Via Mainichi Times

Tokyo, Japan – February 20, 2026

For more than a decade, YouMeWe has supported children living in care homes across Japan by providing access to computers, digital tools, and technical education. Led by Michael Clemons, the organization’s work has focused on long-term relationships-standing alongside children as they grow, learn, and find their place in society.

In parallel, a different kind of educational movement has been taking shape in Nagareyama City.

Founded in 2022, Nagareyama LEAD is an education program designed to help children identify their strengths, think independently, and turn ideas into action. Through structured, multi-week programs, participants work in teams to develop original ideas and present them to government officials and business leaders.

Over the past four years, the impact has been clear.

Children who complete the program leave with greater confidence, stronger communication skills, and a deeper understanding of how to collaborate, think critically, and express their ideas. Many describe a fundamental shift in how they see themselves.

“Some children tell us, ‘I didn’t know I was smart before-but now I do,’”
says Sasha Lee Seals, founder of Nagareyama LEAD.
“That moment-when a child realizes their own ability to think and contribute-is what this program is about.”

Now, YouMeWe NPO and Nagareyama LEAD are joining forces to bring these strengths together.

Through this partnership, children in care-many of whom already have access to technology through YouMeWe-will also gain opportunities to build confidence, agency, and the practical skills needed to move ideas beyond imagination and into execution.

This initiative is not about creating entrepreneurs for the sake of business.
It is about helping children understand that their ideas have value-and that they can participate actively in shaping the world around them.

In Japan, more than 35,000 children live in children’s homes. While many receive material support, fewer have access to experiences that build self-belief, voice, and a sense of belonging in society.

“Access to tools is important,” says Michael Clemons.
“But children also need the confidence to use them, and the belief that their ideas matter.”

The joint program will officially launch on April 14, 2026, marking a new phase focused on capability, confidence, and contribution.

Because empowering children is not about telling them who they can become.
It is about giving them the tools, trust, and space to discover it for themselves.

YouMeWe NPO × Nagareyama LEAD 教育連携を開始