Achievements in Fiscal 2006

Focus on Protection of the Natural Environment

Launch of the 1.5 Million Tree-planting Project

In preparation for the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of Toshiba in 2025, in fiscal 2006 Toshiba Group launched the Toshiba Group 1.5 Million Tree-planting Project. This project entails the planting and maintenance of 1.5 million trees around the world to combat climate change and help protect biodiversity. The 1.5 Million Tree-planting Project consists of three programs: planting and maintenance of trees supported by donations and employee volunteer activities, an education program to raise awareness of the importance of environmental protection through lectures and nature observation tours; and a funding program. In addition to areas in the vicinity of Toshiba Group sites in Japan, we are also planting trees mainly in China as well as elsewhere in Asia. In Japan, we planted trees in areas adjacent to Toshiba sites, including at Happogahara in Tochigi Prefecture and at Okutama in Tokyo. Overseas, in May and June 2006 the Thai Toshiba Group planted mangroves. On China's Loess Plateau, where desertification is a serious problem, in the spring of 2007 we planted 6,000 trees in a cooperative effort with Green Earth Network, an authorized NGO. In Kenya, we will join forces with The Institute of Cultural Affairs, an NGO, to plant trees on the grounds of elementary schools.

The 1.5 Million Tree-Planting Project logo Mangrove planting in Thailand

Contributions to Science and Technology Education

Home Appliance Disassembly Workshops

A home appliance
disassembly workshopIn cooperation with Tokyo's Setagaya Ward, the City of Sapporo, Toshiba holds workshops designed to help elementary and junior high school students understand how things work by letting them disassemble and investigate the inner workings of various products such as microwave ovens and vacuum cleaners. As the disassembly of home appliances is dangerous and should not be performed at home, employees of Toshiba Service & Engineering Co,LTD. which repairs these products, provide guidance in safe disassembly. Many other employees volunteer also participate in this activity.

Renovation of the Toshiba Science Museum

The Toshiba Science Museum, dedicated to exploring the fruitful relationship between humankind and technology, has received more than eight million visitors since it opened in 1961. In November 2006, the 45th anniversary of its opening, the museum underwent a full-scale renovation and introduced new exhibits enabling visitors to experience the past, present and future of electricity. Every Saturday and during the summer holidays, the museum holds events featuring scientific experiments in cooperation with NGOs. About 3,000 elementary and junior high school students participate in these events each year. The Komukai Toshiba Invention Club has a one-year program for about 150 elementary and junior high school students who are interested in technology and enjoy making things. In fiscal 2007 the museum expanded its program of science classes held at nearby elementary schools and other facilities for children.

Largest Science and Technology Contest in U.S. and Canada

14th ExploraVision Awards
recipientsWith the aim of promoting understanding of science and technology and enhancing creativity and communication skills, Toshiba has been sponsoring the ExploraVision Awards science and technology contest in cooperation with the U.S. National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) for the past 14 years. During that period, more than 230,000 young people ranging from kindergarten age to high school students have participated in the contest. Participants forecast advances in science and technology 20 years in the future and create web pages that express their concepts of future products.

Training for University Students Majoring in Technology

Since 1989 Toshibas has conducted the Toshiba Internship Program, inviting undergraduate and graduate students from around the world to Japan for several months to study science and technology while also learning about Japanese society and the way of life in the country. In fiscal 2006, 21 students from 12 countries took part in the program, bringing to 466 the number of participants to date.

Support for Education in Developing Countries

Providing Learning Environments around the World

To help meet the needs of the many children in Asia and Central America who cannot obtain even a decent elementary education, Toshiba Group provides educational environments by building schools, donating equipment and fixtures to schools, and dispatching volunteers. To bring the benefits of IT to these youngsters through digital inclusion* , we donate personal computers and provide computer education.

*Digital inclusion: Realization of a society where everyone can enjoy the benefits of IT

Principal Support for Education in Developing Countries (Fiscal 2006)

Organization	Support Provided
China Toshiba Group	Constructing of two Hope Elementary Schools (13 schools constructed to date). Donating desks and chairs, writing materials, sports equipment, books, and other items. Supporting for the Hope Excellent Teacher Commendation program recognizing the services of 100 elementary school teachers at schools constructed in poor areas.
Toshiba Information Equipment (Philippines), Inc.	Digging wells at two elementary schools each year. Donating 4,200 textbooks and 10 sets consisting of a television and DVD educational materials.
Thai Toshiba Group	As part of a long-term project to improve the education environment, school buildings were painted and funds provided.
Thai Toshiba Lighting Co., Ltd.	Donating of more than 100 fluorescent light tubes together with school supplies each year.
P.T. Toshiba Consumer Products Indonesia	Since 2004, donating instructional materials, writing materials, uniforms, and other items to local elementary schools and financial support for teachers by means of employee fundraising and a company donation. School yard and building repairs performed by employee volunteers.
Toshiba Electronics Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.	Since 2001, environmental education and clean-ups of surrounding areas performed by employees and donation of products to nearby elementary schools.
Toshiba de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.	Donating of computers, televisions, and other facilities to local elementary schools.
Toshiba Electromex, S.A. de C.V.	Donating to Impulsa, a NGO that works to reduce the number of elementary school students who give up school. Holding events in cooperation with the government to teach elementary school students the ill effects of drugs and alcohol.
Toshiba Electro-Wave Products Co., Ltd. (Japan)	Collecting unused postcards for donation to the Darunee Scholarship to support children in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, which makes it possible for four children to attend school each year.