Midori Takeda
College Student

"I have become who I am because I was brought up with support from my family and people in the community.

In receiving human rights education
and Dowa education (education directed to the elimination of discrimination against Buraku people) in elementary school and high school, I have seen teachers and adults who are trying
to deal with the problems of children
in tough family or social situations. 
The fact that I grew up in such a
school and a community gave me pride
and confidence.

By knowing “where my roots lie,”
I can expand the boundary of my
world through meeting many people
and encountering various themes.

I’m studying to become a teacher.
Like the way I was brought up,
I want to nurture as many children as possible who are capable of choosing their lives by themselves by keeping close face-to-face relationships with them.

When there are more children like that, I believe our society will be more energetic, compassionate and free."