Volunteers in Tokyo held a consultation session on Sunday for junior high school students who have one or both parents from outside Japan to help them continue on to high school.

A nonprofit organization, Hachioji International Association, and high school teachers organized the event in the city of Hachioji, western Tokyo.

Interpreters of English, Chinese and other languages were present.

Participants were briefed on the system of high school entrance exams.

They were also informed that students who have lived in Japan for less than three years are eligible to apply for special quotas at high schools that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government runs.

Organizers also told them that depending on the circumstances, it is okay to bring in dictionaries and exam papers with phonetic characters written alongside kanji can be provided.

The organizers say children of non-Japanese parents often find it difficult to prepare for entrance exams while learning Japanese, and that supporting them to continue education is a major challenge.

A girl attending the session who came from Nepal three months ago says she wants to study hard to go to a high school and university.

NPO member Hanawa Toyoko says the group wants to help children go to high schools where they can develop their talents and personalities.

The consultation will also be offered in Shinagawa Ward on October 16 and in Shinjuku Ward on October 30.