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Ashinaga Foundation
Learning Facilitator (July 2024 - Present)
Ashinaga (あしなが育英会 Ashinaga Ikueikai) is a non-profit organization headquartered in Tokyo, Japan that provides educational funding and psychological support to children who have lost one or both guardians, as well as to those whose guardians suffer from serious disabilities. Since its founding in 1993, the organization has raised an estimated $1 billion[2] and has helped over 95,000[3][4][5] students complete high school and/or attend university. Ashinaga also provides residential facilities, psychological support, day programs and camps for both younger children and Ashinaga student loan recipients
Ashinaga Foundation — Kampala, Uganda
Learning Facilitator Intern | July 2024 – December 2024
At Ashinaga Foundation, I served as a Learning Facilitator Intern, supporting a cohort of more than 25 students through one of the most critical phases of their academic journeys. Ashinaga is known for empowering orphans and vulnerable youth through education, and my role was to ensure that these students were not only prepared academically, but also equipped with the confidence, resilience, and leadership skills to thrive beyond the classroom.
One of my primary responsibilities was designing and delivering more than 60 lesson plans. These covered everything from SAT preparation and reading comprehension to overcoming personal study challenges. I made a conscious effort to move away from rote teaching and instead embraced active learning methods: interactive group discussions, peer-to-peer teaching, visual learning tools, and one-on-one coaching. This allowed students to connect deeply with the material while building problem-solving skills. The results were evident — 100% of the students passed their SAT exams, a milestone that opened doors to new opportunities for higher education.
Beyond academics, I designed and facilitated more than 13 leadership and career development workshops. These sessions were centered on themes like self-awareness, goal-setting, communication, and ethical leadership. For many students, these workshops marked the first time they thought of themselves as leaders-in-the-making rather than just learners. They began setting personal goals, taking initiative in group activities, and speaking with more confidence about their futures. By the end of the internship, over 80% of participants reported significant growth in their leadership skills, which was reflected not only in surveys but also in the way they carried themselves.
Every student’s journey came with unique challenges. Five students, in particular, were struggling academically and emotionally, doubting whether they could keep up with their peers. I dedicated extra time to these students, creating personalized study plans, conducting regular check-ins, and helping them break big goals into manageable steps. Watching them steadily improve, and eventually succeed, was one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. It reinforced my belief in the power of individualized mentorship and persistence.
Community Building and Collaboration
My role also extended to community building. Together with six other interns, I co-led bonding sessions designed to strengthen trust, teamwork, and solidarity among the students. Through shared meals, team-building games, storytelling circles, and reflective group conversations, we built a community where every student felt seen, safe, and supported. These sessions proved invaluable in creating a culture of openness, one where students were not afraid to ask for help, take risks, or show vulnerability.
By the end of my internship, the cohort had grown academically, personally, and collectively. The measurable results, 100% SAT pass rate, 80% leadership growth, and strengthened peer networks — only tell part of the story. The deeper impact was watching students begin to believe in themselves, redefine their self-worth, and imagine futures where they could be changemakers in their own right. My time at Ashinaga was more than an internship. It was a formative experience that taught me how to balance structure with empathy, how to lead with both strategy and heart, and how to create environments where young people can grow into their potential.
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