Thinking About ChildrenŐs Rights.
`The Miyagi ChildrenŐs Congress.`
Reporter: Yumi Ishikawa
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YumiŐs profile.

ŁRegional ŇJuniorÓ Assembly Members Gather at the Miyagi Prefecture Assembly Hall.
This year I participated in the first regional and prefectural assembly of the Miyagi ChildrenŐs Congress.


A committee consisting of about 10 members was set up for the regional assembly and met for about 2 hours from 10 a.m. to noon. In the afternoon the main meeting moved to the ŇrealÓ place at the Ishinomaki City Assembly Hall. With the committee chairman taking the lead, we discussed the various issues brought up during the morning committee meeting and exchanged our opinions. I expressed many views concerning how we can all contribute to equality among males and females in society. The chairman summarized the many opinions expressed by the members and took a vote to determine which subject should be brought forth during the prefectural assembly.
Finally, we decided on who should go to the prefectural assembly. Based on those who wanted to attend, one delegate from each elementary, junior, and senior high school was supposed to have been chosen. However, since there were no senior high school students, it was decided that Yumi Osaki, a 6th grader from Kanan Hirobuchi elementary school who I became friends with during the committee meeting, and I would go.
The way the meeting was conducted at the prefectural assembly was the same as the regional assembly so it was not that difficult. Yumi and the committee had different views but the discussions were much more active and lively than at the regional assembly. Many positive opinions were expressed.
Mr. Asano, governor of Miyagi prefecture, attended the afternoon assembly and I was very nervous. Everyone presented their views without reservation so I did the same. We were able to take a picture with Governor Asano and I felt I did my best. The Congress was much more fun than I thought it would be and I look forward to participating again next year. Thank you Governor Asano for taking the time out of your busy schedule to attend.

ŁLively Exchange of Opinions
[Photo: Kahoku Shimpo Press]

The ŇMiyagi ChildrenŐs CongressÓ is a place where children can express their views about our adult society. ItŐs good to hear that everyone engaged in lively discussions. How about participating next year so we can build a better world for kids everywhere.


Send your opinions, impressions, and questions for the reporters by e-mail to:
sndoo2@tth.expo96.ad.jp


ŸMini-InfoŸ
500 students applied to attend the Miyagi ChildrenŐs Congress. Out of the 229 students that attended the regional assembly, 63 were as delegates for the prefectural assembly. Ten topics ranging from subjects such as ŇThings we want to tell adults,Ó and ŇIf I were the GovernorÓ were presented and discussed.

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