Gifu University's Gender Equality Promotion Office held the Chamomile Children's University Program on August 18 and 19, inviting children of teaching and administrative staff of the university.
The Gender Equality Promotion Office offers this program with the objectives of providing teaching and administrative members who have elementary school-age children with a nurturing environment during the children's long summer vacation, and also encouraging children to develop a better understanding of their parents' work environment. This year marked the third year of the Children's University.

Twenty elementary school children participated in the program, aided by staff members from both the Gender Equality Promotion Office and the Staff Development & Training Division, Human Resources Development Department. Students from the Faculty of Education also helped as assistants. A variety of hands-on programs were offered, including a workshop titled "Let's Get Familiar with the Arts" and another titled "Let's Play by Using Our Bodies." The two workshops were taught by two teachers from the Faculty of Education. A teacher from the Faculty of Engineering offered a class on Korean games and culture, while an experiential class on harvesting at a farm and making mayonnaise and pizza was made possible with help of the Gifu Field Science Center, which is affiliated with the Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences. Children were also offered a chance to tour a heliport with help from the University Hospital.

The participating children happily completed the hands-on program over a two day period while working together with their group members and the staff. At the conclusion of the Children's University, they were handed a certificate of completion by Professor Masako Hayashi, Vice President for the Promotion of Gender Equality and Diversity, who served as the President of Children's University. Responses to a questionnaire sent to the children who participated in the Children's University and their parents indicate that many enjoyed the experience tremendously. The staff of the Children's University was pleased that they were able to offer Gifu University teaching and administrative staff these special two days during their children's long summer vacation while feeling at ease at work, knowing that their children were well cared for.
In addition, the staff was able to confirm that teaching and administrative members who have school-age children have a strong interest and hope for the continuation and expansion of this program.