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March 28, 2008

Condolence from Ines San-Brazil

Dear Jicafriends

27th march, 2008

Many years have gone by since I was in Japan.(1989). But this period of my life I can't forget, mainly because I Knew Mr. Maruyama San, our course coordinator, and he dedicated special attentions to me. It's for me a shoching lost, but at the same time, I hope find him in another beatifull world, because I think that would be not possible to return to Japan.

I'll keep the best memory of him in my heart.
Thanks for all and a I hope to receive good news soon.
Ines San, 1989
Sao Paulo- Brazil

Posted by jicafriends at 12:07 PM | Comments (0)

March 27, 2008

Condolence from Maulani - Indonesia

Dear Jicafriends,

Yes it is a really Big loss for Disability World, please convey our condolences to the big family of JSRPD and all activists in Japan.

WE as Maruyama Creation as cadres all over the world are witnesses of his successful in Disability world, his dedication is an Endless struggling .

May he rest in Peace .

Maulani. A Rotinsulu - Jica Leadership Alumni 1998.

Maulani A Rotinsulu
Persatuan Penyandang Cacat Indonesia / Indonesia Disabled Peoples' Association (PPCI) Jl. Tambak No. 11 A, Jakarta - Pusat, INDONESIA.

Posted by jicafriends at 06:34 PM | Comments (0)

Reference Material "Survey for Degree of Disability - 106 questions -"

Dear jicafriends

In Japan, if a person with disabilities wishes to use welfare services, he/she applies to the munipal office. The municipal office then conducts a survey in order to assess eligibility and to decide the provision of survices.

English translation of this survey is now available on our website. Please read it to know more about it.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/pdf/v2008resource0327.pdf

Please remind that this is a tentative translation and subject to change.

The secretariat of jicafriends

Posted by jicafriends at 05:21 PM | Comments (0)

March 24, 2008

New Interactive Web Portal in India

We found the following information via the Disabled People’s International email newsletter.

New Interactive Web Portal in India
http://punarbhava.in/

Punarbhava.in, India's first interactive web portal for persons with disabilities, was launched 12 March 2008 in India, along with screen reading software that will enable persons who are blind or visually impaired to use computers. An initiative of the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) and Media Lab Asia, a part of the communications and information technology ministry, the web portal and the software aims to connect persons with disabilities to the rest of the world.

Employment opportunities, contact numbers of hospitals and health care centres, online courses, catalogued knowledge repository of audio–video and Braille files in Indian languages and books related to disability are some of the resources featured on the portal.

Punarbhava.in will also have a National Disability Register that will give statistical information about the disabled population in India.

"In order to actually benefit the masses, it is important that the software is available in all Indian languages. That's why SAFA can be accessed through 12 Indian languages, besides English," said Meira Kumar, minister of social justice and empowerment, who was present at the launch. For information, go to http://www.disabilityindia.com/html/news.html#web

Posted by jicafriends at 05:31 PM | Comments (0)

Training Manual on Human Rights for Persons with Disabilities

We found the following information via the Disabled People’s International email newsletter.

"The Training Manual on Human Rights for Persons with Disabilities" was launched during the seventh session of the Council on Human Rights, Geneva, on 18 March 2008.

The manual, prepared by AIFO (Italian Association Amici di Raoul Follereau) and DPI (Disabled Peoples International) Italy, in collaboration with the Mongolian National Federation of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities, with financial contributions from the United Nations, is available in English and Mongolian and aims to promote the participation of persons with disabilities and their families in the ratification and implementation of the Convention.

AIFO and DPI will supervise the translation of the Manual into French, Spanish and Portuguese. The English version of the Manual is available at

http://www.aifo.it/english/resources/online/books/cbr/manual_human_rights-disability-eng07.pdf

It is also available through DPI’s website at
http://v1.dpi.org/lang-en/resources/topics_detail?page=911

Posted by jicafriends at 05:17 PM | Comments (0)

FUNDING: Small Grants for Projects for Deaf Children

We found the following article at We Can Do website.
http://wecando.wordpress.com/2008/03/20/funding-small-grants-for-projects-for-deaf-children/

FUNDING: Small Grants for Projects for Deaf Children
Posted on 20 March 2008.

The following email is being circulated by the UK-based international organization Deaf Child Worldwide (formerly known as International Deaf Child Society):

Dear colleagues,

If are in touch with local organisations that want to start new work with deaf children, then please forward the information below about the latest round of the Deaf Child Worldwide Small Grants Programme.

Thank you so much for your help with this.

Round 7 of Deaf Child Worldwide’s Small Grants Programme is now open. The deadline for completed concept notes is 30 May 2008.

The Small Grants Programme (SGP), aims to have an impact on the lives of deaf children, their families, service providers and policy makers by establishing quality partnerships with local organisations based in our priority countries within East Africa, South Asia or Latin America. We fund one to three year projects of up to ￡10,000 per year.

Go to www.deafchildworldwide.info/sgp for more information about how to apply.

If you applied to SGP in the past, then please note that in 2007, we carried out a strategic review and an evaluation of SGP. We have made some significant changes to the programme. These include:

a.. Smaller geographic focus. Now only organisations based in East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda), South Asia (Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka), and Andean region of Latin America (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru) can apply.
b.. New strategic focus areas. We are only looking for projects which work towards these key areas.
c.. Cross-cutting themes. All projects must consider poverty, gender, the social model of disability and sexual health and HIV/AIDS.
d.. Longer projects. You can now apply for projects that are from one to three years long.

Please e-mail info@deafchildworldwide.org if you have any questions or would like to discuss your project idea.

Posted by jicafriends at 01:46 PM | Comments (5)

Condolence from Fathmath Sahudha-Maldives

It is with great sadness that I learnt about Maruyama san’s leave of us. I would like to send my condolences to his family and to JICA as he would be most missed by you. May he be remembered for his contributions in empowering and improving the condition of PWDs in Japan and through out the world. I thank him for, his contributions towards enhancing my technical capacities to serve the PWDs in the Maldives.

Thank you

Best wishes

Fathmath Sahudha
A Participant of the 2007 Vocational rehab course.

Posted by jicafriends at 11:44 AM | Comments (0)

March 23, 2008

Report from Lilian-Chile

hi!!!!!!!!!! my JicaFriends

I want to share with all, an article that I publish in the Diary of my commune about of my experience in Japan, especially my visit to the Center Of Rehabilitation of Children and Adults where we share experiences between both countries.

For my it is important to tell that the model of Rehabilitation created by professionals of Japan called RBC is applied in our commune.

Finally, I want to say to them that I will continue sending information of the experience that I obtained in Japan and how it will be applied in my country

with all Fondness.......Lilian

http://www.jicafriends.net/archives/080323.pdf

Posted by jicafriends at 02:58 PM | Comments (0)

March 19, 2008

Condolence from Karen Ngai Hong Kong

I am very sad to know about the passing away of Maruyama-san. His leaving is definitely a great blow to the disability field not only in Japan, but also regionally and internationally.
May I use the following words to share with all who love and have been inspired by Maruyama-san.

(To the Tune of the Song, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star)

Maruyama-san, Maruyama-san
How I wonder who you are
You are a person of action
A man full of determination

Maruyama-san, Maruyama-san
How I wonder who you are
You work whole-heartedly for the disability field Your laughter, your humor, your influential speech are still so close and real

Maruyama-san, Maruyama-san
Surely we all know who you are
You are a fighter who fights for human rights A lover who loves all mankind

Maruyama-san, Maruyama-san
Surely we all know who you are
Though your days on the Earth are not long Your spirit has empowered us become very strong

Maruyama-san, Maruyama-san
Surely we all know who you are…

With my deepest condolence to the Maruyama family

Karen Ngai

Posted by jicafriends at 11:18 AM | Comments (0)

Report from Khemphone-Lao PDR

Dear jicafreinds,

Let me report you about my situation now.

After I came back form Japan my office has problem with finance and it make me lost a job. I was jobless for five months beginning of January until May in 2007, during I was jobless my life was quite difficult to daily living life in the society. I have to accept hard necessary to responsible to take care of my family.

I started to work at HIB (Handicap International Belgium) beginning in June 2007, I got work past time assistants of CBR project (Community base Rehabilitation) Project. I had responsibility of Vocational training Disability people (Vocational Training Lao Korea School and Vocational training Lao Coco Company.)

After 2007, beginning of 2008 I started to work as full time staff at HIB my position is Peer Support officer at HIB until right now. When my free time I go to help sport at NRC (National Rehabilitation center) to help Okayama san from AAR http://www.aarjapan.gr.jp/english/index.html and ADDP(Asia Development with Disabled Persons) some time I play wheelchair basket ball.

Some time I been coordinator between disable people who need wheelchair and tricycle, I have to contact AAR for them and some time brought them to AAR office. When I came to work at HIB I can help little bit about accessible of the school, because in HIB produces hand book for accessible of the school for disability children It is say "School for every body."

I Individualy help disability person, Example: I find a job in garment factory for students when they are finish form vocational training in the school. I find small donation to help HIV lady. I find a good way to help disability child when step parents don’t want him to stay with them. I work in CBR project of Savanaket but I stay work in Vientiane office, only my boss travel between Vientiane and Savanaket.

My project plan (friendly service), which I submitted to JICA.
It is so far for me but it is still in my dream I hope that I will implement my project plan near future.

Posted by jicafriends at 10:33 AM | Comments (0)

March 18, 2008

“Workshop/Training on Independent Living with the Leaders of Persons with Disabilities”-Nepal

From 12 to 14 March, 2008, “Workshop/Training on Independent Living with the Leaders of Persons with Disabilities”was held in Katmandu hosted by CIL Katmandu.

More than 100 people attended in the opening ceremony including TV staff and newspaper journalists. Government officials, leaders of organizations of persons with disabilities, and Japanese supporters addressed congratulation speeches in the opening ceremony.

Mr. Rukmagat Neupane, participants of Leaders’ Course 2002, President, Nepal Disabled Society and Ms. Rama Dhakal, participant of Vocational Rehab. Course 2007, Secretary General, Nepal Disabled Women Association were also invited as guests, and spoke about their devotion for the empowerment of persons with disabilities in Nepal.

The former participants’ strong words made me firmly believe that Nepali persons with disabilities have unlimited potential for their future.

The secretariat of jicafriends

Posted by jicafriends at 12:38 PM | Comments (0)

March 17, 2008

Condolence from Jospeh Kwok-Hong Kong

Mr. Ichiro Maruyama's death is a great loss to the entire disability sector, whether GO or NGO, whether national or international. He was such a wise, dedicated and passionate leader whose vision has inspired us all in seeking an inclusive, barrier-free and rights based society. Yet he was so humble and cheerful and a dear friend loved and missed by us all.

Joseph Kwok, Hong Kong
a former JICA student (1985) taught by Mr. Ichiro Maruyama

Posted by jicafriends at 10:52 AM | Comments (0)

March 14, 2008

In memory of Mr. Ichiro Maruyama

　March is one of the most expected months for all Japanese people because Sakura (cherry tree) starts to bloom by the end of the month. People go out to enjoy beautiful scenery, have small parties eating, drinking and singing under the cherry blossoms. Missing this favorite time, Mr. Ichiro Maruyama completed his life journey of 65 years in the evening of 2nd of March.

The funeral service of Mr. Maruyama was held in Tokyo on 6th of March. Hundreds of people from all over Japan and overseas attended and said their last goodbyes. Everyone was touched and moved by the spirit of the service.

It was April 2007 when Ichiro was diagnosed with cancer in his pancreas, and chemotherapy started immediately. It had been a tough and painful treatment process for him and his family. Ichiro had never stopped his strong will to fight against the disease until the last moment.

Mr. Maruyama devoted his whole life for people with disabilities in assisting them to realize their potential, in making effective governmental policies and in inspiring the creation of disability networks not only in Japan but in the region and in the world.

He started his long career for people with disabilities when he was a university student from participating in the formation of the Japanese Red Cross Language Service Volunteers. The Paralympics Games held in Tokyo in 1964 motivated him in devoting his life long career for people with disabilities.

After working in Japan Sun Industries and Tokyo Colony, both of which are leading workshops of people with disabilities in Japan, he was called to work in the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare as an expert officer on disability in 1980. During his 10 years of service in the government, he had a number of achievements in uplifting disability issues. He introduced to Japan the International Year of Disabled Persons, then United Nations Decade of Disabled Persons 1983-1992.

His next highlight was to promote the Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities 1993-2002. He founded the Regional NGO Network (RNN) and as its Secretary General, he devoted great efforts in organizing the campaign conferences to promote the Decade in the countries of the region every year throughout the Decade in collaboration with United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. His contributions are so obvious and significant that many countries in the region have given rise to concrete national programs in implementing the Decade.

During the last few months of his life, he focused his concerns on the tardy proceeding of governmental initiatives in employment of people with disabilities.　While fighting against the illness and pain, he was still working on his hospital bed on a formal submission to the International Labour Organization challenging that Japanese Government was unfairly treating the employment rights of people with severe challenges.

Among his innumerable contributions, one of the most outstanding was to start the training courses on rehabilitation of persons with disabilities which were implemented by Japan International Cooperation Agency when he was in the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in 1985. From then on he had devoted strong passion and energy to the development of training courses in 23 years. Last year in June even though his illness was serious, he attended and gave opening lecture to the participants as course leader of the Work and Employment course.

He loved all participants of training courses and had given to them his abundant knowledge and experience. That is why he has been called a great father of all Jicafriends. Many of those who have been inspired and encouraged by him are now following his shoes as true leaders in raising disability development in many places of the world.

He was a man of action and at the same time he was a genius to make people happy with jokes and songs. He always liked to be together with many people and liked to let them laugh. I deeply share that nobody can substitute for him.
His passing is definitely a huge loss to all people in disability sector in the world. He left us a lot of legacy in moving forward the challenges of persons with disabilities.
All Jicafriends, let us march forward together to follow his vision seeking the realization of a society where all people including persons with disabilities live equally in terms of rights and opportunities, which Mr. Maruyama had dreamed.

Even though his physical body is no more with us, his soul stays in the special place of our minds forever.

Hiroshi Ueno
Chairperson of planning committee,
Leadership development of persons with disabilities course

Posted by jicafriends at 12:51 PM | Comments (0)

Report from Ivan-Colombia

Dear Jica Friends:

I was recently in the training course Promotion of Social Participation of Persons with Disabilities Through Sports in Tokyo, Japan.

I was present my action plan “Recreation and Sport for (PWD) in Cali, Colombia (December) in the first International Wheelchair Tennis Tournament, development workshops and promote the social equality of the (PWD) through its participation in competitive sport and recreational events that increase their motivation to the profit, and they improve your quality life. This opportunity was for 11 children with disabilities from 5 cities and the all participants of tournament.

The event was successfully.

PICTURES CALI,COLOMBIA DECEMBER 2007

BOGOTA, COLOMBIA MARCH 2008

The last weekend in Bogota, I had the opportunity to generate spaces for the practice of recreational, playful and sport activities that allow the participant to develop their motor, technical abilities and discipline of a sport. This activity was very important because the people had the opportunity of practice new sports for example Short Tennis, Blind Tennis Table and knew activities for the social integration, The participants of this event were 100 people.

All the best.

IVAN FRANCISCO ANZOLA

Posted by jicafriends at 11:32 AM | Comments (2)

March 13, 2008

Good news from Lilian-Chile

feliz de saber de ustedes, MY FRIENDS OF JICA!!!!!!!!!!!!
el proyecto esta comenzando, nuestro Municipio ganó un proyecto del Gobierno, para trabajar en la comuna con niños de 0 ha 6 años. eso nos permitira contratar seis nuevos miembros para la Unidad de Discapacidad del cual estoy a cargo.junto a mi equipo, solocitamos a nuestro jefe, nuestro deseo de incluir personas con discapacidad. la respuesta fue positiva y durante dos días entrevistamos mucha gente con diversas discapacidades (fisial, sensorial, mental, psiquiatricos).

el proximo lunes iniciarán sus actividades dos personas con discapacidad, fisica y mental para los puesto de secretaria y personal de aseo.

remito a ustedes las fotos de las entrevistas,

por el momento nuestra acogida es positiva, en los proximos meses iniciaremos la preparación y capacitación de un grupo de personas con discapacidad.

saludos para todos........

＜English＞

Happy to know of you, MY FRIENDS OF JICA!!!!!!!!!!!!

The project is beginning.
Our Municipality gained a project of the Government to work at the community with children of 0 to 6 years old. This permits us to contract six new members for the Disability Unit which I am in charge. Together with my team, we request to our Mayor our desire to include persons with disability. The response was positive and for two days we interview many people with disabilities diverse (fisica, sensory, mental, psychiatric).

Next Monday two persons with disability physical and mental will initiate their activities as secretary and personnel of Cleanliness.

I send to you the photos of the interviews.

For the present time our reception is positive. In the coming months we will initiate the preparation and training of a group of persons with disability.

Regards for all
Lilian Garrido

Posted by jicafriends at 02:13 PM | Comments (0)

March 11, 2008

Summer school

Dear friends,

I render my services for the Austral University, Ocupational Therapy school (from Valdivia city, south of Chile) to design and coordinate the summer school programme. It has several objetives.

• First, to serve our country with al our hearts and minds.
• Second, to work with, not for, persons with disabilities in an ethic fashion (following social justice, autonomy, beneficence and non malevolence principle).
• Third, to bring high quality comunity based assistance working with current local government programmes.
• Fourth, to bring high quality trainning to our students in a real enviroment, knowing each usuary by his/ hers name and working with them in their occupational space (house, workplace and so on)
The Summer School was held on Curacavi town, a country- side town. Our students work hard helping with daily life activities adaptations in our users homes.

The students organized a community festival with the participation of many organizations, even a biker organization called Amproch helped. all people enjoyed ridding motorcycles!!!.

Our students are ready for the winnter school, and the follow up of many small proyects carried out in Curacavi town. The local government participation was a key point to achieve the needed outcomes.

Carlos

Posted by jicafriends at 03:54 PM | Comments (0)

Condolence from Sheraz Anwar Cheema-Pakistan

It is really a shocking news for the disability field. May his soul rest in peace.

Sheraz Anwar Cheema

Posted by jicafriends at 10:49 AM | Comments (0)

March 10, 2008

International Deaf Youth Leadership Camp in Jakarta, Indonesia

TRAINING: International Deaf Youth Leadership Camp
Posted on 5 March 2008.

The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) 4th Deaf Youth Camp will be held in Jakarta, Indonesia from 22nd - 27th June 2008 and run by the Indonesian Association for the welfare of the Deaf Youth.

The theme of the camp is “WE ARE ONE”. WFD Ordinary members were invited to send a delegation consisting of four Deaf youth.

The youth camp is aimed at identifying ways to advocate for Deaf people’s human rights and will involve training in leadership and organizational activities; stimulate networking so that Deaf people interchange rewarding experiences, access to communication and information. The camp will also provide an opportunity to Deaf youths around the world to participate in a gathering at international level and to gain experiences and exposure.

For more information about this camp, kindly contact Donny in Indonesia on
e-mail: info_4thapdyc2008@yahoo.com.

Because the host country is still developing, it is very hard to offer financial support.

Registration ends on 15th April 2008.

Delegates from the Asia Pacific region pay a registration fee of 250 US Dollars while those from other countries pay a total of 300 US dolars. The registration fee includes meals and accomodation. The delegates are expected to meet their flight costs (air tickets) to and from Indonesia. The age limit is 17 - 35 years. Email Donny for further information.

We found this information at website "We Can Do."
http://wecando.wordpress.com/2008/03/05/training-international-deaf-youth-leadership-camp/

Posted by jicafriends at 11:01 AM | Comments (1)

Human Rights Education Associates Launches New Network

We found the following information at website "We Can Do".

RESOURCE: Human Rights Education Associates Launches New Network
Posted on 6 March 2008.

Human Rights Education Associates (HREA) has recently launched the Global Human Rights Education Network. This information and advocacy network promotes learning and training in the field of human rights.

Membership is open to all organizations that support the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and that are involved in education and training activities promoting the human rights framework.

This is not a disability-specific initiative. However, people involved in the field of disability rights might wish to use the network to learn about general good practices in human rights that may be helpful in the disability field. Participating in the network might also be an opportunity to educate
other human rights specialists about the linkages between disability rights and other human rights.

Individuals or organizations interested in joining the Global Human Rights Education Network can access their online application form at　http://www.hrea.org/hre-network/

Posted by jicafriends at 10:55 AM | Comments (0)

Network to Exchange Success Stories

RESOURCE, FUNDING: Network to Exchange Success Stories
Posted on 6 March 2008.

Organizations that have “success stories” to share now have a way to reach a wider audience. And organizations that wish to learn from other successful projects now have a resource to which they can turn.

A few of the very best, most innovative participating projects might also obtain funding. (If interested in funding, submit stories to IFAP by March 31, 2008.)

The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has launched an Information for All Programme (IFAP) whose purpose is to encourage communities to share their success stories with each other. All organizations are invited to submit their stories about successful projects to its online platform. Others can then read about these projects and perhaps replicate them or adapt them to their own local situations.

The IFAP is particularly interested in stories that involve using information to support development. The aim of IFAP is to promote good practices in using information for development in all parts of the world.

If you submit your story before March 31, 2008, then it may be considered for grant funding. IFAP will choose up to five of the most innovative success stories to receive funding support of $5,000.

Stories may be submitted at any time, including after March 31, to be shared with others. But late submissions cannot be considered for the grant funding competition. Instead, they will simply be made available for others to read and learn from. Submitting your stories, even if you do not win funding support, can be a way to help make more people aware about your organization and your projects.

IFAP wants stories in the following thematic areas:
a.. Poverty reduction,
b.. Health,
c.. Education,
d.. Disaster prevention,
e.. Governance,
f.. and Human Development.

IFAP asks that each story submitted to their database should include the following information (note that the last one specifically references people with disabilities):
a.. identify the community that has benefitted from the use of information
b.. explain what difference access to information has made for this community
c.. focus on content and not on technology
d.. describe how the initiative could be replicated
e.. take account of any gender issues, noting that UNESCO’s priority focus is on women
f.. identify any benefits for disadvantaged groups such as people with disabilities

IFAP also wants stories to follow a standard format:
a.. Between 250 and 500 words in English or French
b.. Respond to the questions: who, when, where, what, how and why?
c.. Upload up to 3 photos of at least 300 dpi in .jpg format
d.. Upload a short (5 minutes) video clip if available
e.. Provide links to any related web sites

Learn more about the IFAP initiative at:
http://www.unesco-ci.org/cgi-bin/ifapstories/page.cgi?g=;d=1

We found this information at We Can Do
http://wecando.wordpress.com/2008/03/06/resource-funding-network-to-exchange-success-stories/

Posted by jicafriends at 10:40 AM | Comments (0)

March 07, 2008

You will live in our hearts forever, Maruyama san

Mr. Ichiro Maruyama, Course Leader of Vocational Rehab course, passed away on March 2, 2008, while at his home, of a pancreatic cancer. He was 65 years old.

A vigil was held on March 5 and some five hundreds of people attended. A photo of Mr. Maruyama was in front of a hall, smiling at every one of us. Some people came from abroad and his Korean friend played a viola, Amazing Grace, to the memory of Mr. Maruyama.

A funeral took place next day. About two hundred people came to see him off. His favorite songs were played in the hall all the time and everyone was remembering him. Many condolence messages arrived and some from overseas were read in front of people.

Mr. Maruyama, with his passion, has led us, encouraged us, empowered us…

He will live in our hearts and keep leading us, encouraging us, and empowering us.

We would like to share one of his favorite songs with you.

Let us sing together.

< Seven Daffodils >
I may not have mansion, I haven't any land
Not even a paper dollar to crinkle in my hands
But I can show you morning on a thousand hills
And kiss you and give you seven daffodils

I do not have a fortune to buy you pretty things
But I can weave you moonbeams for necklaces and rings
And I can show you morning on a thousand hills
And kiss you and give you seven daffodils

Oh seven golden daffodils all shining in the sun
To light our way to evening when our day is done
And I will give music and a crust of bread
And a pillow of piny boughs to rest your head
A pillow of piny boughs to rest your head

The secretariat of jicafriends

Posted by jicafriends at 02:02 PM | Comments (0)

Condolence from Sameer Abu Jayyab-Palestine

Dear Jica Staff and Japanes People

Some people are so nice in something they do,
Some people are so nice in something they say,
But so little like Mr. Ichiro Maruyama so nice in everything.

We the Palestinian disabled people send our deep and worm condolences to Mr. Ichiro Maruyama family , friends and to Jica Staff and friends.

He was and still the sunshine in the hearts of the disabled people allover the world.

May God bless him and rest his soul in paradise.

Dr Sameer Abu Jayyab

Posted by jicafriends at 11:53 AM | Comments (0)

Condolence from Mario Torres-Chile

Dear friends:

I had the chance to meet Mr Maruyama during my Scholarship in 1988, so I send my condolence and best regards to his family and friends.
The distance and time cannot delete the memories.
From Chile, sincerely,

Posted by jicafriends at 11:12 AM | Comments (0)

Condolence from Rekha-Sri Lanka

My deepest sympathy for Mr. Ichiro Maruyama.
It was a bad news for me and all members of our group. Anyway we have to bear it.
Most important and Good people earn their death so soon. that is nature.
Thank you very much for inform it for us.

Rekha.

Posted by jicafriends at 11:10 AM | Comments (0)

Condolence from Maulani. A Rotinsulu-Indonesia

Dear Jicafriends,

Yes it is a really Big loss for Disability World, please convey our condolences to the big family of
JSRPD and all activists in Japan.

WE as His Creation as cadres all over the world are witnesses of his successful in Disability world, his dedication is an Endless struggling .

May he rest in Peace .

Maulani. A Rotinsulu - Jica Leadership Alumni 1998.

Posted by jicafriends at 11:09 AM | Comments (0)

Condolence from Virgie E. Montilla-Philippines

On behalf of Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc. and the ex-trainees, our condolence to the family of Mr. Ichiro Maruyama. We may loss him but his good deeds will surely have a great reward with our Creator.

Regards,

Virgie E. Montilla
Ex-JICA trainee

Posted by jicafriends at 11:06 AM | Comments (0)

Condolence from Cecilia-Malaysia

Oh no?..what was wrong is he ill or accident.I am very supprised when I hear this message. I offer my condolence to his family.

Cecilia

Posted by jicafriends at 11:05 AM | Comments (0)

Condolence from Solo Damena-Papua New Guinea

My sincere condolonces

Thank you so much Ichiro for not only educating us about DIsability but also about enjoying life. Indeed in a short time you left your mark on me.

RIP
Solo Damena

Posted by jicafriends at 11:03 AM | Comments (0)

Condolence from Adela Avila Kono-Philippines

Thank you very much for kindly informing us about Mr. Maruyama's passing. It is sad to know a good man like him is gone. Yes, we had good memories of him during the course and in other events in later years. My thoughts and prayers I offer for him that his soul enjoys the rewards of heaven.

Adela Avila-Kono
JICA 1989

Posted by jicafriends at 11:01 AM | Comments (0)

Condolence from Raja Marasinghe-Sri Lanka

Dear Friends,

Thanks for the mail and the information.

Please accept our deepest condolences. We would be grateful if you could also convey our condolences to his family members. He will live in our memories forever...

Raja Marasinghe

Posted by jicafriends at 11:00 AM | Comments (0)

Condolence from LILIAN GARRIDO VASQUEZ-Chile

Sr. JICAFRIENDS:

From this so distant country, I sit the happened, to the being Mr. Ichiro Maruyama a person that I work always for us the persons with disability. Thanks to him, you present since I we had the opportunity of which JICA will deliver the opportunity to know the work of Japan in this topic.

Big regards for all you and again my condolences.

COORDINATOR UNIT DISABILITY OF MUNICIPALITY PEÑALOLEN

SANTIAGO OF CHILE

Posted by jicafriends at 10:58 AM | Comments (0)

Condolence from Atif Sheikh-Pakistan

May God with those who morne, no doubt death of Maruyama san is a great loss and his initiatives for disability related trainig cources will be remembered always. May his soul rest in enternal peace

Muhammad Atif Sheikh
President STEP Pakistan

Posted by jicafriends at 10:55 AM | Comments (0)

Condolence from Veronica and Jose-Mexico

OUR CONDOLENCE TO MR. ICHIRO MARUYAMA'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS FROM VERÓNICA AND JOSÉ (MEXICO, CITY)

Posted by jicafriends at 10:47 AM | Comments (0)

Condolence from Cecilia Singoon-Malaysia

I am very sorry to hear that Mr Maruyama passed away. personally I have lost him as he make me lots different and learned and it benifical to me and I remember he sang the song when we were at Hyogo prefecture in one of the restaurant for his farewell as he have to go back to tokyo due to his loads of work.

I offer my condelence to his family

May his soul rest in peace

Cecilia Singoon
Jica participant 2005

Posted by jicafriends at 10:44 AM | Comments (0)

Condolence from Shalika-Sri Lanka

I just read the Jicafriends newsletter and got to know about Ichiro Maruyama san's demise. I am deeply sorry to hear this and send my deepest sympathies to his family and friends. As past participants, we are all grateful to this great human being who was the founder of the training courses for PWDs. Therefore, on behalf of all the participants of the Leaders Course - 2006, I bow down in respect and gratitude.

Shalika

Posted by jicafriends at 10:43 AM | Comments (0)

Condolence from Swee Lan-Malaysia

To Mrs Maruyama and Family

Dear Mrs Maruyama and Family,

I am so sad to hear about Prof Maruyama. I can still recall his teachings, his encouragement and his hospitality. I was very inspired by his passion to help PWD in Japan and worldwide. He motivated me to advocate for them and to help make life more meaningful for them. I will also not forget his
dedication in serving people with disabilities and his commitment in training other people to do likewise. Though he is not around now physically, his inspiration remains. I am thankful to have the opportunity to know him and learn from him when I was in Japan in 2006. I pray that God will comfort you at this time of grief. My deepest condolence to you, Mrs Maruyama and your family. Take care.

Yours sincerely,
YEO Swee Lan
Coordinator of United Voice
(Self-Advocacy Society of Persons with Learning Disabilities)
Malaysia

Posted by jicafriends at 10:18 AM | Comments (0)

March 05, 2008

Condolence from Mohamad Sazali Shaari-Malaysia

May his soul rest in peace. Thank you for all your good work to give us opportunities to be equal in society.
The improvements of our life is the good works of yours.

Malaysian Federation of the Deaf
Mohamad Sazali Shaari
1991 Leadership Training Course for the Deaf

Posted by jicafriends at 11:54 PM | Comments (0)

Condolence from khemphone-Lao PDR

i may to say sorry to his family is loss him
so i hope and belive that he will go to good plaec on the sky and looking down to see his lessone will be develope from his paticipate in the world

Posted by jicafriends at 11:34 PM | Comments (0)

Condolence from Singxay-Lao PDR

I am sorry to hear that Mr. Maruyama the great course leader of Vocational Reh... has passed away. I am still remember his smile and voice. anyway, I pray his soul may rest in peace.
I am sorry, I just checked my email today and know that.

Best regards,

Singxay

Posted by jicafriends at 11:32 PM | Comments (0)

Condolence from Arunee Limmanee-Thailand

Dear friends,

I heard about this shocking news yesterday.It is hard to believe as I still remember clearly his smile, his jokes,and most of all, his forever kind support, either for work or private matters.
I still remember when I came back to Japan again one year after JICA training.At that time, he helped me with so many things. He even volunteered to bring back my suitcase when he came to Thailand for a 3-day-conference.He said he had just one small bag and he could bring back some stuff for me so that it would be easy for me to carry just one suitcase when I went back.So he brought back my suitcase but somehow the wheels of the suitcase were broken.So he had to carry it all the way at the airport.I know it was not fun but he talked about it as if it were not a big deal.He made it as a joke as always.For Maruyama san,everything is not a big deal.And he can laugh in all situations.I try to follow his way.I try to laugh even in this situation, but what I can do is just cry. Dear Maruyama san,you told me no one is too young to die and no one is too old to live.But I can't help feeling that the time has come to soon.I still want to hear more jokes,more good words,and much much more to learn from you. Dearest Maruyama san,I hope you lie in peace. My last word for you is,"Thank you" from the bottom of my heart.

With deepest condolence to Maruyama family,

Arunee Limmanee

Posted by jicafriends at 11:29 PM | Comments (0)

Condolence from Daniel Moll-Venezuela

My dear Jica Team:

I really sorry about that sad lost. For me Mr Maruyama was the one who make in me a great difference in the necessity of a training course related to persons with disabilities in my country. I think that he could develop this particular area through that courses to many many countries, and of course, that was, and I am sure about that, an enourmous help to many many people with disabilities around the world.
He stay in my memorie like a man who was a proud for me, know him.

Posted by jicafriends at 11:20 PM | Comments (0)

March 03, 2008

Please don't take our sunshine away from us.

Dear jicafriends,

It is so sad to inform you, but Mr. Ichiro Maruyama, Course Leader of Vocational Rehab. Course passed away yesterday.

Mr. Maruyama is the one who advocated the necessity of a training course related to persons with disabilities. He persuaded the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare and finally started the first training course in 1984, which has now developed to two JICA training courses, "Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment of Persons with disabilities" and "Leadership Development of
Persons with Disabilities."

We believe that many of you still clearly remember his lecture and his big smiles.
He loved to sing and always closed the training program with a song "You're My Sunshine."

It is a great loss for the disability field.
We pray his soul may rest in peace.

The Secretariat of jicafriends

Posted by jicafriends at 04:45 PM | Comments (0)