Zenbird Editorial TeamIn the humble Japanese town of Onga, situated in the northern part of Fukuoka Prefecture, Boshimo Inc., the creator of the innovative maternal and child health app, “Boshimo,” is partnering with the town to launch a localized version of the app, dubbed “Onga de Boshimo.” The app’s introduction to Onga’s community earlier this month is an ambitious effort to bridge the gap between generations and reshape the landscape of child-rearing and support.
Onga, a town steeped in history and natural beauty, is a place where the endangered Onibasu plant thrives and ancient burial mounds coexist with the Yamazakura cherry blossoms. This idyllic setting is also the backdrop for a bold and transformative vision of child-rearing, led by town officials who believe in nurturing “Onga’s happy, growing children” in a supportive and stress-free environment.
One can’t help but think of the familiar proverb, “it takes a village to raise a child.” But in the case of Onga, that village is being reimagined and enhanced through the use of modern technology. By embracing the Boshimo app, the community is uniting to create an interconnected support system for parents and children that transcends traditional boundaries.
Boshimo, already in use in over 520 municipalities across Japan, utilizes the power of ICT to provide seamless support for parents on a range of topics, from managing maternal and child health records to accessing local information. The app’s features are designed to alleviate the burden on parents, offering a suite of tools to assist with the challenges of raising a family in today’s fast-paced world.
In Onga, the community’s commitment to supporting families is evident in the establishment of the “Onga Comprehensive Support Center for Child-Rearing Generations” and the “Guppi Regional Child-Rearing Support Plaza.” These centers are dedicated to providing advice, fostering parent-to-parent connections, and creating safe spaces for children to play and grow.
Furthermore, Onga’s tailored approach to child-rearing ensures that families in need receive the help they require. Initiatives such as the “Single Parent Household Daily Life Support Project” and “Short Stay Program” provide assistance in times of need, whether it’s through sending support staff for housekeeping tasks or temporarily caring for children when parents face challenging circumstances.
With features such as pregnancy and child health data management, immunization scheduling, and expert advice on parenting, the app is poised to become an invaluable resource for busy parents and caregivers. Moreover, the app allows for data sharing among family members, enabling grandparents and other relatives to stay connected and engaged in their loved one’s lives.
In a time of rapid societal change and the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, “Onga de Boshimo” serves as a beacon of support for parents and children alike.
