Ricoh 2014 Annual Report Download - page 83

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Overview Action Data & Prole
Growing with Society
Ricoh Group Sustainability Report 2014 82
The Ichimura Nature School Kanto
The Ichimura Nature School Kanto gives children a
chance to “learn how to live from Mother Nature”
in an agricultural community. The program runs for
nine months, or one entire agricultural season from
planting in March to harvesting in November.
 EveryotherweekFridayafterschool,28boys
and 28 girls come to the Nature School and work
the elds until Sunday afternoon, growing some 40
different kinds of vegetables. In this way, they learn
how to “develop yourself by thinking together, using
each other’s ideas, and doing eld work together
with the blessing of nature.”
Since the school opened in 2002, it has earned
a stellar reputation for activities sustained for more
than 10 years. In 2012, the school’s efforts were
recognized by the Japan Philanthropic Association
with an award—the 10th Corporate Philanthropic
Award—and in 2013, the school was honored with
theMinisterofEducation,Culture,Sports,Science
and Technology Award in the newly established
category that recognizes companies promoting
hands-on activities for youth.
We have started introducing new programs
for graduates, such as alumni farms and are also
enhancing existing programs, such as general meet-
ings and summer camps, spearheaded by Daichi no
Kai(theEarthClub),agroupvoluntarilyestablished
by alumni of the program. We will continue to sup-
port the development of students, including some
600 children who have graduated from the Ichimura
Nature School to date, as they take their place in
society.
Ricoh Science Caravan
When it came to Ricoh’s attention that children were
losing interest in science, a program—Ricoh Science
Caravan—was launched to provide opportunities for
children in Japan to develop a love for science. The
caravan travels to educational facilities, mainly sci-
ence halls and schools throughout Japan, engaging
children in science experiments.
The program touches on topics that are easy for
elementary school children to understand, such as
the basic principles of electrostatography, and the
presenters are volunteers from local Ricoh Group
companies nationwide. This showcases the Ricoh
Group’s unique efforts to contribute to society.
In scal 2013, the caravan rolled out 42 times,
and a total of 23,381 children experienced the
mysteries and joys of science. In 2014, we plan to
start a new program using color copiers and digital
cameras.
Commitment to and responsibility for social contribution
The Ricoh Group is committed to carrying out socially benecial activities in a steady, responsible
manner, both within and outside of our business functions. These activities include initiatives
the Group and its employees lead as well as support given to nonprofit and nongovernmental
organizations.
Students harvesting potatoes
Children listening to a presentation by a Ricoh employee