■ "Toreburinka, a school created by everyone" and "Torebu, a general incorporated association"
A free school called "Toreburinka, a school created by everyone" was established in November 2003. It was established by a former junior high school teacher and his students to create a place for children who have dropped out of school, are withdrawn, or have disabilities. The name "Toreburinka" is a Japanese translation of the name of the concentration camp where Janusz Korczak, a writer and educator who died along with other children at the hands of the Nazi Party during World War II, was held. The school was named to carry on the will of Mr. Korczak, who lived for the children and shared their fate with them.
In 2020, in the wake of COVID-19, we launched the Tokyo branch to "prevent people from becoming isolated and create a place that connects people." In December 2023, Kawano (formerly Kato) and Tonomura, who are also core members of the secretariat that oversees the Osaka and Tokyo branches, established the "General Incorporated Association Torebu." The origin of the name "Torebu" comes from the will of the Osaka headquarters' "Toreburinka School, created by everyone," but in French it means truce, cessation of pain, and rest, and the company name is imbued with the desire for world peace.
The Osaka headquarters is based in Hirakata and Neyagawa cities and runs a children's cafeteria, Toreburinka free school, Torebu Cafe, illustration club, music club, and other activities, while in Tokyo, the Shinjuku base hosts and operates children's cafeterias and musical experiences.
Through these activities, we hope to connect schools, families, communities, and governments, and act as a proactive presence.
■Our theme, "Toreburinka: A school built by everyone," is based on four themes: peace, welfare, human rights, and the environment, and four generations - children, young people, adults, and seniors - are working on these themes.