In a heartwarming initiative, Free The Children Japan フリーザチルドレンジャパン, led by Sanae Nakajima, embarked on a transformative journey to the Philippines on March 28 – 30, 2025, where 15 Japanese students came to the Preda Foundation in Olongapo City and Subic, Zambales where they engaged with Aeta communities and visited two children’s homes of Preda Foundation. This visit aimed to deepen understanding and foster connections between the students and the people of the Aeta villages whom are partners of Preda Fair Trade.
They shared aspects of their cultures through singing, dancing, and sharing of stories, all of which were faciliated by the community leaders of the village with the help of Donard Angeles and Roger Hermogino – Preda agriculturists and community workers.
The overnight experience of living, sleeping, eating traditional cuisine, and sharing of stories created such a unique friendship between the two groups – it was a successful immersion for the Japanese. Moreover, Free the Children Japan’s visit brought together its shared mission with Preda Foundation in advocating for the rights of indigenous people.
During their immersion, the students from Free the Children Japan participated in various activities, and cultural exchanges, which highlighted the rich traditions and resilient spirit of the Aeta communities.
The students also visited Preda Foundation’s children’s homes, where they spent meaningful time with children in the spacious home for abused and trafficked children who were rescued, are protected, and empowered by the Preda Foundation to fight for justice. The visiting students from Japan were inspired and amazed by the strong fighting spirit of Preda children upon hearing their life stories and testimonies. The students heard the stories of empowered children on how they are cared for, healed, and supported to file legal cases against their abusers in order to bring them to justice.
The visiting students from Free the Childrne Japan learned much about the challenges and triumphs of the Preda children and participated in the sharing of their stories of hope and resilience.
This collaboration not only strengthened bonds between Japan and the Philippines but also emphasized the importance of global solidarity in the fight for children’s rights. By witnessing the powerful impact of the Preda Foundation’s work firsthand, Free the Children Japan team returned home with renewed inspiration and a greater commitment to advocate for vulnerable children everywhere. Through such initiatives, we can continue to build a world where every child thrives, can take a stand for their dignity, freedom, and justice, irrespective of their nationality, and social background.
