November 20, 2008
Training Report : November 1, 2008: Visit: Tokyo Metropolitan Sports Center for the Disabled
It was a clear autumn day. The participants visited the Tokyo Metropolitan Sports Center for the Disabled. Mr. Ueno, chairperson of Planning Committee and Mr. Kanoya who is a regular user of this center accompanied us all day today.
In the morning, the overview of the sports center was explained to the participants by Mr. Muramatsu, Deputy-director of Sports Support Division. He has been working for the center more than 20 years since its establishment. Mr. Muramatsu then introduced them various sports devices with which persons with even severe disabilities can enjoy sports safely. Some of those devices are very expensive to buy, however Mr. Muramatsu said that it could be made by hands by utilizing local materials which has similar characteristics. For instance, you may be able to substitute balls with metal inside for the sound table tennis with round-shaped plants' seeds which make noise when you shake.
Then the participants went on a tour to observe all the facilities; gymnasium, swimming pool, table tennis and sound table tennis, sports field, tennis court etc. The center also has barrier-free accommodation for persons with disabilities and the participants got excited to see Japanese Style rooms with Tatami mattress.
In the afternoon, the participants could choose sports that they want to try ! They were divided into three groups and experienced sound-table-tennis, wheelchair tennis, and wheelchair badminton. At least one trainer was assigned to each facility and the participants could get instructions on the sports and enjoy it fully and safely despite all of them did not have previous experience.
Mr. Muramatsu concluded today's program by saying “The main aim of the center is to contribute to the realization of the principle of normalization through the promotion of sports and we have strived to promote the sports activities which persons with disabilities, persons without disabilities, and local residents are able to enjoy together.” The participants could deepen their understanding of the positive influence that the sports have on physical and mental aspects of persons with disabilities and also its important roles to promote more inclusive society.
http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2008/training/l1101.html
Posted by jicafriends at 02:57 PM | Comments (0)
November 19, 2008
Training Report : October 31, 2008: Presentation: Personal / Organizational Report
Today, each participant made a presentation on the organization which they belong to, their job, and their personal history. This session used to be called “Personal Report Presentation” focusing on participants' personal background. However, from this year more emphasis is put on their organization and their work.
Another characteristic of the presentation this year was its venue. Instead of JICA Tokyo seminar room, it was held at the International Community Center (ICC) of Waseda University. This university is one of the most prominent Japanese private universities and it is also known for its established support services for students with disabilities which are not often available at many of universities in Japan yet.
At the presentation, consecutive interpreter as well as sign language interpreter was prepared to secure information and communication accessibility to all. As a result there were a number of audiences from various organizations: some lecturers of this course, others from non governmental organizations in the field of disability and development issues. Also several Waseda University students joined the session and asked many sharp questions. The participants also raised questions and gave comments to each other.
Today the participants as well as the related Japanese personnel could have good information on personal background and work and deepen understanding of each other. We would like to show our appreciation to the ICC, Waseda University for their cooperation in offering the location.
http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2008/training/l1031.html
Posted by jicafriends at 11:55 PM | Comments (0)
November 17, 2008
Training Report : November 6, 2008: Peer Counseling and Peer Support
In the morning, the participants learned about what Peer Counseling is and why it is needed.
Peer counseling assumes that we all have the following philosophy: all human beings have creativity, wisdom, love, joy, and solidarity in abundance. This philosophy, an intrinsic part of all human beings, is easy to upset; therefore, in order to protect ourselves, we prepare defensive mechanism like fear and insecurity. As long as we are unable to discuss these hurt feelings and be comforted, we make decisions and take action based on our hurt feelings and sorrow rather than on clear, logical thought.
As long as these hurt feelings are not resolved by talking with someone else, the person's actions are filled with anguish and clear, rational thinking does not take place.
The participants seemed to be perplexed in the beginning because it was entirely the new method for all of them. But as the program was proceeded, they became to be curious to know about it.
In the afternoon, they went through session which they shared time equally to talk about their problems or experiences. The details cannot be explained here. If you would like to know of it, you should join us in the program.
http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2008/training/l1106.html
Posted by jicafriends at 03:13 PM | Comments (0)
November 06, 2008
Training Report : October 29 - 30, 2008: Participatory Workshop: Leadership Skills
What are the important principles to be good leaders ?
Mr. Yoshinori IKEZUMI, the facilitator of this workshop, has over 30 years of experience in conducting participatory approach workshop in Bangladesh, Nepal, Philippines and the other Asian countries.
Mr. Ikezumi started the first day by this word “this session is not going to be teaching, but we would like to exchange and share ideas that you have with all participants”.
He always threw back questions when participants asked a question. In this way, all participants were encouraged to speak up, share more ideas, and deepen their understanding of issues. He also presented about origin of key words which relates to disability and necessary skills of leaders.
The participants could come up with lots of new ideas which they can utilize for raising awareness of the community people.
http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2008/training/l1029.html
Posted by jicafriends at 05:28 PM | Comments (0)
Training Report : Accessibility Check in Tokyo Metropolitan City Lecture : “What is Personal Mobility ?”
Do people with disability in your country go to where they want to go, when they want to go, in a way they want to go ? Or do they only go to where they CAN go ?
In this morning, the participants were divided into 3 groups for accessibility check of transportation and building in Tokyo Metropolitan City. They left JICA Tokyo heading for 3 different famous sites in Tokyo as below.
Group 1: Ferris wheel “Big O”
Group 2: Roppoongi - Tokyo Midtown
Group 3: Hachiko (Statute of Japan's Most Faithful Dog)
While heading for the destinations, they checked various barrier-free facilities and devices provided for persons with disabilities. All participants were very much impressed about train staffs who came down to a platform with a portable ramp to assist wheelchair users. At the station where they get off, the train staff there was already waiting with a portable ramp ready to provide assistance. Very good communication between stations !
Today the participants were blessed with beautiful Japanese autumn weather and they enjoyed their tour.
In the afternoon, Mr. Yoshiaki IMAFUKU, Transportation Affairs Officer, Japan National Assembly of Disabled People's International (DPI-Japan), gave an explanation of each barrier-free facility, by looking at photos taken during the accessibility check this morning.
Then Mr. Imafuku raised two questions to the participants: (1) Why is it important for persons with disabilities to be able to go anywhere they want ? (2) If persons with disabilities don't have personal mobility, what rights will they be deprived of ?
He lectured about the brief history of making transportation accessible in Japan by taking about his involvement and achievement. The participants shared their ideas of personal mobility and how it is related to other spheres of life such as education, social life, employment as well as psychological aspects.
Through the accessibility check and the lecture, the participants could understand the importance for persons with disabilities to be able to go to places they want to go or need to go.
http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2008/training/l1028.html
Posted by jicafriends at 05:25 PM | Comments (0)
November 04, 2008
Training Report : October 27, 2008 AM: Opening Ceremony and Program Oritentation
Nine participants of Leadership Development Course had arrived safely on Oct 21.
This year's participants are from Costa Rica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Laos, Malawi, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Turkey and Uganda.
Opening Ceremony was held today at Assembly Room of JICA Tokyo.
Welcome Speeches were addressed by Ms. Ritsuko SAKAMOTO, Director of Human Development Division, Tokyo International Center, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and then by Mr. Shuzo KATAISHI, Executive Director, Japanese Society for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities (JSRPD).
The participants took a group photo with flags of their respective countries behind.
After the Opening Ceremony, the Program Orientation took place. Firstly nine participants introduced themselves and expressed their expectations for the coming training program. Then Mr. Hiroshi UENO, chairperson of Planning Committee of this training course, gave explanation of this training.
Now the training is starting !
We are all looking for the working together as a team for the coming weeks!
http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2008/training/l1027.html
Posted by jicafriends at 08:39 PM | Comments (0)
October 27, 2008
Message to 2008 Leaders' Course Participants from Ms. Shalika - Sri Lanka
To all participants of the 2008 Leadership Development Course,
I sincerely wish all of you the very best and hope that you too will learn as much as I did about the facilities afforded to PWDs in Japan. I was able to experience how technology is used to make life better for us - things I would never even have dreamt of. I was so thrilled with the Braille tiles on the floor and the talking elevator. In Sri Lanka, I could never travel alone in an elevator as there aren't any talking ones. I was also amazed by the Personal Assistant and Job Assistant scheme. How easy life would be if such a thing could be implemented in our countries too. It is sometimes hard to implement every good thing one experiences in Japan as ours are developing countries and have many financial constraints. But I will always endeavour to get atleast some of them implemented. It might take ages but I'll keep on bugging the authorities - So must you !
My training period in Japan was also a learning experience of the challenges that others with different disabilities face daily. There are four participants with vision impairment this year whereas in my year, I was the only one. My friend, Andrea from Costa Rica was my sight and I was her feet. Together, we wandered the streets around the JICA centre during our free time. Believe me, we were a good combination. Bing Quang from China also helped me out when moving around. We learnt valuable lessons of co-existance. We helped each other not only with our physical difficulties but also in other ways. Leo from Belize was the singer in our group and always made sure that everyone was cheerful. Fabio from Columbia was the computer genius and we sought his assistance when something went wrong with our laptops. Bing Quang was the person who made it sure that there was always discipline and law and order. Ruby from Vanvatu was ever ready to help others. She and Khem Phong from Laos were skilled in handicraft and fixed whatever we needed. Andrea was a teacher and translator and thus helped out with the preparation of reports. The experience I received in Japan is very unique and I am glad I got the opportunity. I am sure you too will feel the same. So good luck with your future endeavours.
A special note to the participant from Sri Lanka, please contact me and perhaps we can work together to make Sri Lanka a more disable friendly nation.
Shalika Karunaratne
Participant from Sri Lanka
Leadership Development Course - 2006
Posted by jicafriends at 07:49 PM | Comments (2)
