Santa Project was initiated by ANPIE to help provide quality education for children of foreign residents in Nagano prefecture. A large number of Latin Americans (mainly Brazilians) reside in the prefecture. Children of these immigrants have little or no knowledge of Japanese language, thus faces a problem when trying to enroll in a regular Japanese school. Furthermore, most parents of these children cannot afford to send their children to a Japanese school.

For the first three years, businesses contributed to support the children's education. However, from 2006, the business community has withdrawn their support for various reasons. Now, ANPIE and these immigrants need to find ways to support themselves through local communities and groups.

For the initial contribution, CAB has decided to coordinate Santa Project's activities through our own programs in our area (Saku region). CAB has designated three regular staff members to form a committee responsible for the project and will carry out tasks until August 2006 (end of CAB fiscal year) on a trial basis.

Under the committee, CAB will help ANPIE run donation programs, and collect stationery and other relevant materials for education. Committee members will also attend meetings for Santa Project in Nagano city whenever possible.

For further information, please contact CAB or ANPIE.