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May 18, 2011
“Empowerment of persons with disabilities through peer support” -1-
We would like to start a series reporting on JICA follow-up program in Kazakhstan. The program was conducted by Ms. Kassiyet OMAROVA, a former participant of Leadership Development Course 2009. We originally planned to report in March, however the Tohoku-Kanto Great Earthquake occurred and we were unable to upload till today.
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“Empowerment of persons with disabilities through peer support” -1-
Ms. Kassiyet OMAROVA, a former participant of Leadership Development Course 2009 initiated her project plan “Join and enjoy,” barrier-free tourism in Almaty, Kazakhstan shortly after returning from Japan.
http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/pdf/l2009projectkazakhstan01.pdf
She first organized a university student volunteer group and then got funds for transportation service for wheelchair users with sever disabilities. When she conducted the first barrier-free tour, most of persons with severe disabilities living in Almaty were unaccustomed to go out from their homes and some parents still believe that their children cannot do anything by themselves and they don’t like them going out with new people.
She came to know that empowerment of persons with disabilities was essential before starting anything else.
http://www.jicafriends.jp/projects/asiaandpacific/kazakhstan/l2009kassiyet/005.html
Therefore she submitted another project proposal “Empowerment of persons with disabilities through peer support” including 12 points taught by Ms. Sarajean Rossitto to JICA Astana Office in January 2010. And fortunately it was approved as one of follow-up programs.
The project consists of a symposium and three-day workshop. Two Japanese experts, Mr. Dai OKITA of Mainstream Association and Ms. Masako Okuhira of Japanese Society for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities were selected and JICA Kyrgyzstan Office promised to send Ms. Murataliyeva Ukei for introducing her experience of peer counseling services in Kyrgyzstan.
Will be continued...
Posted by jicafriends at May 18, 2011 01:11 PM