Japan Press Weekly

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2008 October 15 - 21 [PEACE]

Article 9 Association launched by educators

People involved in early childhood education on October 16 established their Article 9 Association (A9A) to promote the defense of the war-renouncing Article 9 of the Constitution. They stated that it is important to let the Constitution guide child rearing and infant education.

Education scholar Sato Manabu, one of founders of this A9A, said, “When the very foundation of education is undermined by the adversely revised Fundamental Law of Education, we must reexamine education in line with the constitutional principles and use this newly-inaugurated association as a place for teachers to speak freely about social concerns.”

Calling for more Article 9 associations to be established throughout Japan, the statement of the newly established A9A said, “Based on the Constitution, we will make efforts to improve the system of education of children to work for a bright future for children and Japanese society. It is time to increase cooperation within each community.”

The A9A for democratic child rearing and education will promote activities to seek a peaceful society through education, to guarantee children’s rights to learn and grow, and to practice democracy in the organization and management of childcare centers, kindergartens, and schools.