January 05, 2010
Greetings from incoming Director General of JICA Tokyo
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and its Optional Protocol came into force on May 3, 2008. This Convention aims to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy all human rights on an equal basis with others. CRPD’s Article 32 specifically states the importance of international cooperation and its vital role in facilitating and supporting persons with disabilities.
With this in mind, one of JICA’s present challenges is to mainstream disability issues into its development aid program. In response to the changing times and for over 20 years, JICA Tokyo and the Japanese Society for the Rehabilitation for Persons with Disabilities (http://www.jsrpd.jp/static/english/out.html) have been conducting training courses, including Leadership Development and Employment Promotion for Persons with Disabilities.
To further strengthen and continue bonds and promote strong collaborations among previous participants and concerned organizations, JICA has created this website, JICA Friends, a network designed to provide relevant updates with regards to issues affecting persons with disabilities in Japan and overseas.
Because we are aware that struggles continue, JICA Friends hopes to serve as an inter-active forum where we can exchange views, offer advice and build a network to facilitate the implementation of successful projects here and at home countries. We hope that you will make the most use of this site so that together, we may be able to create a global society that recognizes, supports and promotes equal opportunities and equal human rights to a better life without barriers and without borders for all.
Posted by jicafriends at 11:32 AM | Comments (0)
January 04, 2010
A Happy New Year!
It is the beginning of a new year.
May the New Year turn out to be the happiest and the best for you.
Let us keep working towards the realization of "Society for All" together with all jicafriends of the world.
The secretariat of jicafriends
Posted by jicafriends at 05:04 PM | Comments (0)
December 11, 2009
Message by Juan Somavia, Director-General of the International Labour Office on the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities
3 December 2009
Today we focus on the goal of ensuring that the process of realizing the Millennium Development Goals is inclusive of persons with disabilities. This is necessary for their empowerment and that of their communities.
Globally, one in ten people – some 650 million – has a disability, with 470 million of working age. And about 80 per cent are in developing countries. Disability is both cause and consequence of poverty. Estimates are that people with disabilities make up 20 per cent of the poorest worldwide. Clearly, the goal of halving poverty by 2015 requires the inclusion of disabled persons in pogrammes for poverty reduction and for social and economic development.
Despite their proven potential, people with disabilities remain under-represented in the work force and concentrated in low-paid informal economy jobs. Many are excluded from opportunities for decent and productive work by virtue of societies’ attitudes to disability along with diverse barriers that hinder their full and equal participation.
The ILO’s Decent Work Agenda – centred on the dignity of work – is an agenda for inclusive development, rooted in rights and in the real economy. The Decent Work Agenda defines the ILO’s approach to all workers including those affected by disability. It is founded on nondiscrimination and on promoting opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship, and access to skills training. Decent work also involves the extension of social protection, supporting those unable to work, facilitating the entry or return to work of those who can. And organization, voice and dialogue are fundamental elements. They bring strength and are key in ensuring that disability issues are on the table and included in policies and programmes for economic and social development.
International Conventions and laws, complemented by the ILO’s Code of Practice on Managing Disability in the Workplace point to what can be done to open up work places and work spaces to persons with disabilities. They provide the framework for practical programmes on vocational rehabilitation, including community-based rehabilitation, skills development, employment and self employment as well as research and identification of good practices.
Much has been achieved in recent years. Yet there is a long road ahead. And, in the face of the present economic crisis millions of the world’s most vulnerable are being pushed deeper into unemployment and underemployment, informality and poverty: among these are persons with disabilities.
There is a new global recognition that economic progress is unsustainable if the majority of people are counted out, not counted in. In June this year, the tripartite ILO adopted a Global Jobs Pact – now widely supported – which represents the application of the Decent Work Agenda in the crisis context. It specifies the need to help vulnerable groups who are hardest hit. It provides a sound foundation to build an integrated and inclusive approach to disability in recovery and beyond.
The recently adopted UN Resolution on Realizing the Millennium Development Goals for persons with disabilities will reinforce action to ensure an inclusive process and the empowerment of persons with disabilities and their communities.
The ILO is pleased to contribute to this objective through its action to help ensure that persons with disabilities can realize their potential and find routes out of poverty in and through the world of work.
On this day we salute all who have driven the fight for the rights of persons with disabilities.
Posted by jicafriends at 10:54 AM | Comments (0)
December 08, 2009
MESSAGE ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY by Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon
3 December 2008
This year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities falls just a week before the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The United Nations is commemorating both under the theme, “Dignity and justice for all of us”.
We have much to celebrate this year. The entry into force of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in May was a turning point. When the first Conference of the Parties convened in October, participants immediately began considering how the Convention can serve as a tool to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. This progress has been made possible thanks to the active participation and leadership of persons with disabilities, by ensuring that they have access to – and are included in – all aspects of our work.
The United Nations remains committed to this approach. The renovation of our Headquarters complex through the Capital Master Plan will bring our facilities up to the latest standards of accessibility. These advances are long overdue.
The General Assembly has stressed that to achieve the MDGs, we must include persons with disabilities in all processes. With 80 per cent of persons with disabilities – more than 400 million people – living in poor countries, we need to do much more to break the cycle of poverty and disability.
The slogan of the International Disability Alliance is: “Nothing about us without us.” A disabled person from Swaziland who has been fighting for the implementation of a disability policy there has said, “We need total integration to do away with the evil of stigmatization”.
In that same spirit, I urge governments and all stakeholders to ensure that persons with disabilities and their organizations are an integral part of all development processes. In this way, we can promote integration and pave the way for a better future for all people in society.
Other information can be obtained from the following site
http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?id=1452
Posted by jicafriends at 04:40 PM | Comments (0)
November 17, 2009
Greetings from Khempone-Lao PDR
Sabaidee JICA friends
Please Say sabaidee to JICA trainees of Leadership course and participant from Laos
I saw a picture of Mr. Ueno on internet is make me think of all trainees I were knew last 2006
How is going on about training course, I’m usually fallow up to see JICA web on internet
It looks interesting and fun
O.k I just say hello to all of you
I hope that to see you if I have opportunity in the future.
Sokdeeder
Khemphone (Leaders'course 2006)
Posted by jicafriends at 02:56 PM | Comments (0)
June 19, 2009
Welcome to Japan-five participants of "Decent work of Persons with Disabilities" Course 2009
We are very pleased to inform you that five participants of "Employment Promotion and Realization of Decent Work of Persons with Disabilities" arrived at JICA Tokyo without any problem on Tuesday, June 16.
This year we received one each from China, Fiji and Malaysia and two from Nepal.
The participants from Nepal have disabilities, so they are now using the barrier-free rooms.
http://www.jicafriends.jp/jicainfo/tic/access/01.html
The training program is goting to start from next Monday, June 22.
Please cheer for them.
The secretariat of jicafriends
Posted by jicafriends at 01:46 PM | Comments (0)
October 20, 2008
Sabaidee from Ms. Khemphone-Lao PDR
Dear Jicafriends
Sabaidee to evry participants of JICA Leadership Development Course 2008.
Welcome to the Leadership Development Course.
Don't keep up if you feel difficulty in some activities
Enjoy Japan! It is beautyful country and Japanese people are all kind.
Sabaidee to all trainers in my memory.
I hope that all of you will have good memories as same as me.
Good luck!
Khemphone (JICA Leadership Development Course 2006)
Posted by jicafriends at 07:03 PM | Comments (1)
July 27, 2007
From Veronica-Mexico
Hello friends,
I hope you are all well and that these resent earthquakes didn´t cause too much damage.
Though I don't write much, I always remember you. Receive a big, big hug.
Love,
Verónica
(Leaders' Course 2004)
Posted by jicafriends at 11:03 AM | Comments (0)
From Lyazzat-Kazakhstan
My dear friends,
It was very sad for me to hear about the terrible earthquake in your country. So many injured people... I hope that you and your families are safely in your homes.
The same time I feel proud of Japanese people which can build so resistant and safety houses and recover so quick!
Takhir asks to say you that he took hard the news about earthquake, too.
We are with you. And we wish our lovely country Japan will over come this hard time.
Love, love,
Lyazzat.
(Vocational Rehab. Course 2007)
Posted by jicafriends at 10:51 AM | Comments (0)
From the Secretariat of jicafriends-Japan
Dear JICA friends,
Ten participants finished seven-weeks training program of Vocational Rehab. Course 2007 and left Japan on June 30.
As you may know a powerful earthquake hit Niigata and Nagano Prefectures in Central Japan at 10:13 am, July 16, 2007. The Meteorological Agency says the focus of the quake, with an estimated magnitude of 6.8. This news reminded us of quite big earthquakes occurred at midnight during local visit to Oita prefecture, and participants could not sleep well on that night. Earthquakes lasted till the last day of their visit. Fortunately they all could complete the training course and returned to their home countries.
The Secretariat of jicafriends
Posted by jicafriends at 10:46 AM | Comments (0)
June 25, 2007
Messege from Ms. Michiko Hatakenaka
Hello JICA Friends,
It had been a great pleasure for me to work for training courses in TIC for Persons with Disabilities.
I learned a lot from all of you as well as from organizers of the training course. I had to move to a new position in JICA's research group in JICA's institute for International Cooperation. My
current work is really different from my previous position as a program officer for training courses but I will not forget what I learned from you.
We all have to work for society for all and I will be a part of it just as you are! I think mostly I learned that we are all different but it is very important that we all work to make our society
comfortable for all of us regardless of our differences.
Thank you so much for giving me a great opportunity and experience! I will sometimes join you in this Website and I wish good luck for all of you!
your friend in Japan,
Michiko Hatakenaka
Ex-JICA program officer for training courses for PWDs.
Researcher, Aid Effective Team, Research Group, Institute for International Cooperation
Posted by jicafriends at 06:22 PM | Comments (3)
April 18, 2007
New Nepali blog information about disabled people in Nepal
Dear Ex-participant of JICA and APCD,
Greetings from VAD NEPAL
We are pleased to inform you to we just launch one new Nepali blog information about disabled people in Nepal
Posted by jicafriends at 02:28 PM | Comments (4)
March 20, 2007
Dear jicafriends-Philippines-
The following message is from Mr. Mark Espesor, one of the 7th trainees of Duskin Leadership Training Program. After 10-months training in Japan he went back to his home country. And he is now working with Mr. Abaygar (Leaders' Course 1992) and Ms. Donnabelle (Leaders' Course 2005) in Iloilo city, the Philippines.
Dear jicafriends
Working with ex-JICA Participants was a great honor for me that was my main purpose before coming back home after training there in Japan and we will be more productive if we work together and combine our ideas and abilities to help our PWDs here in our country. I was very thankful for choosing me as a trainee. I will do what I have learned in Japan in Filipino way and style with MILE : )
Mark Espesor
(7th Duskin Trainee)
Posted by jicafriends at 10:24 AM | Comments (0)
March 13, 2007
Greetings from Virginia-Philippines-
Jicafriends,
I am Virginia E. Montilla, the Head of the Social Service Dept. and Administrative Officer of Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc. in the Philippines. I am applying for the training course in Intellectual Disability in Community Activities. Since this is a new knowledge to me I am really willing to acquire new ideas about Intellectual Disability which we might as well be included in our CBR project.I had submitted my application letter to the National Economic Development Authority and I hope I will be qualified for such training.
I was also an ex-traineed on Leadership Training year 2000 and this indeed helped me so much with my present job in our center specially in our Community Based Rehabilitation Program. With this second training, if I will be accepted will again give me a new opportunity. Thank you very much.
Regards,
Virgie E. Montilla
Admin Officer / Social Service Head
Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc.
175 Aida St., Marick Subd.
Cainta 1900, Rizal, Philippines
Telefax: (+63-2) 248-2699
Posted by jicafriends at 02:00 PM | Comments (0)
March 02, 2007
From Jocelyn, Leaders' Course 1990
It's so nice to hear news from ex-jica participants. I am an ex-jica participant, year 1990 for leadership training. Since then, many pwd's from our organization availed of the different trainings from JICA. I would like to hear some news from my co-participants, year 1990 especially the participants from Thailand.
Thank you and more power to JICA!
You have been one of the instruments in the success of many persons with disabilities
Jocelyn Cevallos Garcia
"Joy"
joycevgar@yahoo.com
tahanangwalanghagdanan@yahoo.com
Posted by jicafriends at 06:33 PM | Comments (0)
House of Smile-Cambodia
Greeting from disabled children in Cambodia, My name is Mr. Smiles!!!!!
House of Smiles operates a home for developmentally disabled young adults. This home is located in a residential neighborhood in Phnom Penh and will be in some of the Provinces of Cambodia next years as requested from people in the provinces to expand there, now we are moving to another areas for home care in other to promote social welfare in Cambodia in term of children with disability needs,the rights of the child should be the point of departure for the project. The main emphasis will be on integrating the children, to enabling them to attend an ordinary school with other children.
The projects focus on supporting children in their own neighborhoods and surroundings and it will be rooted in the local community that where possible there are some participation by children and parents around the community with exchange knowing collaboration with local experts and with the authorities are essential and by the way the projects, especially innovative ones and inclusive education for children with disabilities
My Purpose of this writing is; I would like to let you all know how we are going to do after my returned back from Japan
Now we are working with many types’ disability children who abandoned in the community and society by supporting such as some food, physical therapy, foster care, home base care, respite care, general education and others in term of emotional and physical development
We are working with children with disability with following type of disabilities
1. Mental Retardation
2. Autistics
3. Cerebral Palsy
4. Down syndrome
5. Muscular Dystrophy
6. Polio
7. Paralysis and amputees
8. Hearing Impairment
Thanks you
Chan Sarin
Just a few minutes to visit us by website: http://www.hagarinternational.org/
Posted by jicafriends at 10:35 AM | Comments (4)
January 10, 2007
Greetings from Tonga
Greetings to you from the Kingdom.
I am fine but don't whether you heard on the news about there was a riot had happened and the whole town totally destroy on 16 of November 2006. There was about six people burned and died and their body has not been identified yet because it was very seveier burn.
There we are trying to rebuild the city so it seem to me my action plan, "Barrier-free in Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities" will start over again.
Misa from the Kingdom of Tonga. (Leaders' Course 2005)
Posted by jicafriends at 01:59 PM | Comments (1)
December 27, 2006
Wish You A Happy New Year!
Dear jicafriends
The year 2006 will ends in five days.
Thank you very much for your support and contribution of this year.
Reflecting on the year 2006, we saw the great improvement in the accessibility of our website.
We have welcomed 14 new members of jicafriends this year; 7 from Vocational Rehabilitation Course and 7 from Leadership Development Course of Persons with Disabilities. Belize and Vanuatu sent their first participants.
We hope to strengthen the jicafriends network next year and send you the best wishes for 2007.
jicafreinds
Posted by jicafriends at 01:06 PM | Comments (0)
December 19, 2006
Congratulations!
Dear Friends:
Congratulations
United Nation General Assembly has adopted the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities in a vote by consensus and had asked 192 member states to quickly ratify the convention, which covers rights to education, health, work and a raft of other protective measures for people with disabilities. This adoption is the first human right treaty of the 21st century.
Read details in fresh issue of Pakistan Special.
Keep reading Pakistan Special.
MAILING ADDRESS AND FOR ANY FURTHER INQUIRY:
Farhat Abbas, Chief Editor monthly Pakistan Special,
H. No. 465, Street 74, Sector G ・8/1,
Islamabad ・Pakistan.
Posted by jicafriends at 06:07 PM | Comments (0)
August 11, 2006
Dear All Jicafriends
Dear All Jicafriends,
Now we are IT team provide a scholarship for people with visual impaired to training for six month about basic computer and how to connect to internet, Our goal is when finish this training course they will be able to send and receive e-mail by themselves . And will be able to make them Braille text book to teach in the visual impaired school. Because of they are also a teacher of person with visual impaired people in the NRC of Laos.
And the training will start in August 21, 2006 to January 31, 2007.
We are IT – workshop of Lao disabled people hope that our first IT training course for people with visual impaired will be able to successful.
Best Regards,
Seevanh XAYKIA
We visited Lao Blind Unit
With Colleagues of IT-Workshop
Posted by jicafriends at 10:33 AM | Comments (4)
July 11, 2006
Dear Friends, colleagues and well wishers,
Greetings from YPSA ICT4D Unit.
It's a pleasure to inform you that YPSA IRCD (I CTs and Resource Centre for the Disabled) , ActionAid Bangladesh and HSBC Bank are jointly organizing a
4 month long intensive training program for 20 person with disabilities selected through a competitive process from all over Bangladesh.
All of these highly potential individuals (9 visually challenged + 11 physically challenged) have already proven their capacity through acquiring the highest
degrees from different Universities. It is expected that through this training they will acquire market driven skills on a range of subjects including
ICT applications, communicative English, adaptive technologies, Digital Talking Book production, management and administration, independent living etc.
followed by a job fair as a platform to demonstrate their capacity to potential employers representing Government, Non government and the corporate sector.
This will enable to reach the ultimate goal of employing every single trainee in their desired fields and thus establish that Person with Disabilities can
also be equally productive citizens of the Nation.
An informal inauguration will be held on 15th July at ActionAid office and the training will be held at YPSA Human Resource Development Centre (HRDC) Chittagong.
We would like to welcome you all to visit the training program and encourage the participants. Individuals and organisation with expertise in training are
highly encouraged to contact to provide voluntary input in the training. Your kind feedbacks and comments are always welcome.
Best Regards
Posted by jicafriends at 03:26 PM | Comments (0)
June 08, 2006
Training Course -Seevanh XAYKIA
Dear
It's a very good course for people with disabilities.
I wish they a good time in Tokyo and successful in their training.
It is my dream also that i can go to training in Japan.
I am a disabilities people from Laos.
Best Regards,
Ms. Seevanh XAYKIA
Posted by jicafriends at 01:02 PM | Comments (5)
June 03, 2006
HOME STAY -Singxay LOR (Vocational Course 2006)
I am very sorry that I can not go for home stay,
Because my brace is broken and it makes my foot got pain.
I can not walk far.
I want to repair the brace today by glue. So, I can not go and joy with.
Regards,
Singxay Lor
Posted by jicafriends at 01:06 PM | Comments (2)
June 02, 2006
Dear, all friends -Singxay LOR (Vocational Course 2006)
Dear, all friends.
I feel now more confidend than before.
I will try do the best to get knowlge from this country to help the PWDs in my country my conleage.
You know I am not talkactive but I am not "NATO".
NATO means = NO Active Talk Only.
Singxay LOR, A Participant from Laos.
Posted by jicafriends at 12:55 PM | Comments (0)
May 29, 2006
Dear jicafriends in Indonesia -Keiko NAKATANI (JSRPD)
Dear jicafriends in Indonesia
I am very much worried about you.
Are you all right, and also your family, relatives and friends?
I feel sorry to hear that a big earthquake hit Yogjakarta and more than four
thousand people lost their precious lives and about ten thousands are
injured.
All jicafriends are praying for you from all over the world.
If you need our help, please let us know.
keiko nakatani
Posted by jicafriends at 05:20 PM | Comments (0)
April 12, 2006
Hello everybody-Jaka 'Blindman Jack' Ahmad (Leaders' Course 2005)
Hello everybody,
First of all I'd like to congratulate The Polio Kyodine for establishing the Independent Living Center.
I haven't heard about the others action plan progress, but I think you guys have one step ahead than the other.
As for me, right now I'm already moved to Banda Aceh,
The Tidal Wave City. I'm right now working with Handicap international.
I have to leave my action plan behind and pass it to someone else in Jakarta.
But on June 2006, I will have the presentation with National DPO in Medan.
I will be placed here in Banda Aceh for the next two years max.
Afterwards, only God knows where I'll be.
Well, That's all from me, look forward to see you soon, sometimes, someplace.
Best Ragards,
Jaka 'Blindman Jack' Ahmad (Leaders' Course 2005)
Posted by jicafriends at 02:12 PM | Comments (0)
March 22, 2006
Hello from Rocky san-Mr. Sakher Qandeel (Leaders' Course 2005)
hi all
I hope this email finds you well.
first i want to appologize for not contacting you for a while.
this was because i was a little busy plus i was waiting untile things are moving concernning the ILC.
it is my pleasure to tell you now that we are about to begin the first ILC in palestine very soon,
we only now waiting for the legal permision of work from the ministry of interior in Palsetine.
this may take some time due to the political changes in Palestine ,
we have now new government is forming,
so things moving very slow but we are working very hard to get things prepared.
Howevere , we contacted Jica Office in Gaza and we agreed to begin a campain in cooperation with Jica Alumni in Palestine to educate the public and people who work in Rehab. field about ILC methodology and we will begin with seminar in the next two weeks. moreover,
I along with collegues in Kiku,s Independent Living Association for Disabled in Palestine (KILAD) will start a reasearch study to be aware about disabled,s need in palestine so we can begin our work based on facts and disabled,s real need concernning ILC methodology.
finaly , i hope u r all fine and please keep in thouch ,
we need all the support u can offer .
thank you
Sakher Qandeel
Posted by jicafriends at 11:47 AM | Comments (0)
Hello from Ghana-Mr. Peter Obeng-Asamoa (Leaders' Course 2004)
Hello
Its been such a long time, I hardly know how to begin.
How are you getting on and how is everything?
I must apologise for the break in communication.
Last year was quite hetic for me.
There were a lot of changes and activities in my Organisation.
We had to set up computer learning programmes for blind students, in two of the leading Universities in Ghana.
Hopefully a third will be added early this year.
In addition to this, we also set up 3 vegetable gardens for blind persons in the rural areas.
To crown it all, we organized a major fund-raising event in which I employed a lot of the training I received during my stay in Japan.
Due to the changes in my Organisation, it is likely that there will be a slight modification to my project plan.
As you might remember, I chose toproduce books using the DAISY format.
I am seeking to secure computers for at least two basic schools and some blind individuals.
This also entails providing computer training. so that when we take off with DAISY they will at least be able to take part.
We are also considering a Braille production unit .
So many things are happening all at the same time.
Well, I think that now that I have re-established the contact, I will make it a point to keep in touch and let you know what I am doing.
Give my warmest regards to everyone.
Peter
Posted by jicafriends at 11:40 AM | Comments (1)
January 23, 2006
from Mr. Daniel Moll
In relation to the activities that I am working now,
are in total relation with the course that I made in Japan!.
I stimulate throw the the Ministry of Education the
preparation of a program that make more strenghts
helps to enhance the consolidation of small groups
of persons with special needs, and friends, neighbours
of them, etc, that we call "Asociations by cooperation"
that is a proud for me because was a incredible sucessfull.
But, of course still are many persons with disabilities that need a
work for then independency.
I will send more information later.
Posted by jicafriends at 02:24 PM | Comments (0)
January 10, 2006
Hello from Rocky -Sakher Khader QANDEEL (Leaders' course 2005)
Hi all:
Okingi dis ka every body?
I hope this email finds you all well.
I really miss you all and miss Japan.
I know it is snowing now in Japan. I wish I am there now.
It would be great chance to skiing with my wheelchair.
I would like to let know that Kiku Independent Living Association
for Disabled ( KILAD ) has been established.
We formed the Board of directors and began the legal procedures
got the official registration in the ministry of interior in Palestine.
The nine board members are
President: Sakher Qandeel ( Rocky )
Vice President: Emad Mohana ( Ex Jica participant)
Secretary general: Shoq Hanoon ( woman )
Financial director: Ahmad Qamar
Public relations: Khitam Elharazin
The other four are members.
They will be responsible for the sub committees that will be formed
when we start running the programs.
Six of nine board members are PWDs and all the board members are
rehabilitation specialists with official certificates in rehabilitation.
Concerning Sam, he will work with us as a counselor because according
to associations local low, he is allowed to be a board member because
he is already a president of the Association of physically Handicapped in Gaza.
We trying now to find some funds to rent a building to start running
the programs and the first step will be the feasible study.
Wish us luck and we looking forward to see here in Palestine.
Take care and happy new year.
Thank you
Rocky
President of KILAD
Posted by jicafriends at 10:30 AM | Comments (1)
Happy New Year from the Philippines! -Donnabelle V. Baldonado (Leaders' course 2005)
I have been visiting jicafriends website since I arrived in the Philippines.
And everytime I do so, I was reminded of the happy memories I had
during the GTC Leaders 2005. I'm missing everyone out there.
We are still facing economic crisis in our country but we are hoping
for the best to come.
A Skills Training for Candy/Confectionery and Pillow Case Making
will be conducted to 1 PWD organization this coming January 16-20, 2006.
Just wish the best for the PWD sector in the Philippines. I'll keep in touch.
Wishing you all a prosperous, great and exciting 2006!
Thank you so much for the great opportunity. Warm regards.
Donnabelle V. Baldonado
Iloilo City, Philippines
Posted by jicafriends at 10:14 AM | Comments (0)
Grretings from Maputo - Mozambique. -Sr. Justino João Januario
I would like to inform all coordinator in Japan that I
have been elected in Lesotho - Maseru were all
countries met as a Regional Cheireperson of Youth with
Disabilities in Southern African Countries, Angola,
Bostwana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South
Africa, Swaziland, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
It is the great task for me and I will need your
cooperation to organize all countries on issues of
Disabilities in particular Youth with disabilities the
position that I am holding. The election was held on
30 November to 01 Dezember.
By now I am preparing the proposal of Regional Action
Plan, after I can invite the Regional Workshop in oder
to descus the proposal.
Thanks
Sr. Justino João Januario
Presidente da Associação
Posted by jicafriends at 10:07 AM | Comments (1)
December 26, 2005
Dear JICA friends from JSRPD
Dear JICA friends,
We hope you are having happy holidays.
In Japan, it has been unusually cold. But we are fine and ready to meet a Happy New Year.
For ‘jicafriends’, the year of 2005 is very special because it is the starting year.
We could reach many ‘jicafriends’ through our homepage and share many information.
In addition, we had eighteen new friends from sixteen countries.
We really hope this network will expand more next year.
We wish you all have a Happy Happy New Year!!!
With Warm Regards,
JSRPD
Posted by jicafriends at 05:04 PM | Comments (1)
December 19, 2005
action plan -Sakher Khader QANDEEL (Leaders' course 2005)
Dear Friends,
I hope this email finds you well,.
First , I would like to apologize for not emailing you earlier , but we
needed the time to sort things out in our jobs and families.
Things are the same in Gaza but finally we are here .
The good news are that me and Sam started our action plan to establish the
first independent living center in Palestine.
The first meeting of the founder committee will be next week to discuss
the whole issue and plan strategies and regulations.
Wish us the best
We will keep you posted
Rocky and Sam
Sakher Qandeel (Rocky)
Tal El-Hawa
Gaza
Please refer to their Interim Report (Future Action Plan)
Posted by jicafriends at 12:32 PM | Comments (1)
December 05, 2005
Dear Friends, - Yi Veasna (NCDP)
Dear Friends,
May I thank you in advance of looking my award certificate
given by the Shiga Prefecture Governor in Japan as attached file.
I thank you very much to the Kazuo Itoga Memorial Foundation,
Shiga Prefecture Governor and vice Governor, all the board member
of Kazuo Itoga Memorial Foundation and Secretary general with
the staff and Japanese friends whom preparing such a very official
protocol and very professional way of preparing the ceremony,
I belief the Initiative of Kazuo Itoga Memorial Foundation will spread
the spirit all over Asia and the world, and encourage many more PWD
to challenging in promote the quality of life and the rights to be full
participation.
During the 3 December International Day of People with Disability 2005,
I and NCDP management team would like to wishing you all the best and
successfully of preparing 2006 action.
Regards,
Yi Veasna
NCDP Executive Director
Posted by jicafriends at 11:24 AM | Comments (2)
November 07, 2005
letter from Veronica Rodríguez and two pictures -Veronica Rodríguez
Dear jicafriends,
It’s amazing how fast time goes by.
Two days ago, November 2, which is a special day in Mexico
because we celebrate “DIA DE MUERTOS” (DAY OF THE DEAD),
Jose and I were watching TV and there was a programme about
Hiroshima.
Our hearts and minds flew back a year to this beautiful city
we visited during our training course, and where this year’s
participants are now!
What an experience it was!
You may have noticed I wrote “we”.
That’s because last year was the first time JICA accepted
a disabled participant with an assistant.
It wasn’t easy and JICA only covered my expenses; but it was
worth it.
A few weeks ago I received wonderful news: JICA officially
decided to accept disabled persons with an assistant if he/she
requires so.
I think this is great, another step ahead. I feel very honoured
that Jose and I, in a way, were able to be part of this decision.
Now it’s in your hands to take advantage of this new opportunity!
Our best wishes for all.
Love,
Veronica
Posted by jicafriends at 02:02 PM | Comments (1)
October 11, 2005
South Asia earthquake: A Message of concern -Okuhira. masako(JSRPD)
We, Jicafriends would like to express our sympathy for the people who suffer
from the earthquake on 8th October.
Not only Pakistan, but also India and Afghanistan must have been damaged.
We have heard the news from some of ex-participants that they were OK, but
still have not heard anything from many of them. Please inform us of any
news related to those Jicafriends.
Posted by jicafriends at 05:00 PM | Comments (0)
September 14, 2005
Kabar dari Malaysia-Ms. Cecilia Binti Singoon (Vocational Rehabilitation)
I have been busy with my Trial training so far 3 trainees out for
trial training. 1 person at our centre's bakery. and the other one at CBR
in the centre as well. The other one is at the cleaning company cleaning the
shopping mall. My self and the other JOCV volunteer from sendagaya tokyo.
his name is Mitsuhiko Abe. Today I went for meeting the operation manager
for coffee bean company to ask the possibility of sending of our trainee
for trial training. Coffee bean is simillar shop opposite mitsutomo bank at
hatagaya station. there is a coffee shop there.
Transition is on going now....but the only worried is that I am going for
course training in special eductaion at Pulau Pinang from 13/11-24/12....so
I have to work hard before so that everything is under control and my
report may be early january I hope JICA would understand my situation.
The training helps me.....domo arigato gozaimastha ne. I will send the photo
but please give me sometime.
Watashi kara
Cecilia san Malaysian kara kimisahita.
Posted by jicafriends at 12:18 PM | Comments (1)
August 22, 2005
BEST WISHES FOR MY AGREAT FRIEND...-Emad Khaled
HI FRIENDS :
HOW ARE U ? TOO...
THANK U SO MUCH FOR UR WEBSITE MAIL AND I HOPE U ARE WELL, HAPPY AND U HAVE AGOODHEALTH.
BECAUSE I HEARED ANEWS ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED IN UR HOME LAND.
I AM WELL,OK.AND GLAD ABOUT UR GOOD NEWS WHEN I HEARED AND I HOPE SEE THE
ALL SOON IN A GOOD TIME.
REMMBER ME TO ALL ...
SWEETTIME ...
BIG SMILE ...
YOUR'S ARTIST / EMAD A. R. KHALED ...
Posted by jicafriends at 10:57 AM | Comments (0)
August 09, 2005
Dear JICA Friends-Julius Mxajwe
Dear JICA Friends
I am exremely excited to have been one of the JICA trainees in 2001.
The knowledge gained in this enterprising project has assisted South African
Deaf community a great deal and, as a result,
the Deaf Federation of South Africa now has a project running,
under the title: Deaf Independent Living Programme, acronymed DILP.
This project has provided employment for 6 Deaf people and 3 South
African Sign Language Interpreters, all of whom work under DILP and all
of whom are full time and salaried employees.
Project description:
DILP is a community based program aimed at empowering Deaf people and
their families at grassroots level by giving them the knowledge, skills,
confidence, and authority to take decisions about issues affecting them
by:
- Making information available to them on Deafnessas a human rights
issue, as well as on making social services such as rehabilitation,
education and training, employment etc, available;
- Providing peer support and family counselling to, first of all,
empower a Deaf person and then to raise awarness within the community in
order to reduce discriminatory attitudes;
- Referring Deaf people to relevant health, rehabilitation, education
and employment services for assessment and intervention;
- Addressing discriminatory attitudes and stereotypical beliefs about
Deaf people within the community to promote social intergration and
mental health of Deaf people;
- Assisting Deaf people at grassroots level to identify themselves as a
cultural entity within the broader society and to educate them to take
responsibility for their own destiny.
The program is funded by the Department of Social Development
(Government) and the National Lottery Disrtibution Fund (NLDF).
Histoically, the project originates in Japan while I was attendin a
Leadership training course for persons with Disabilities under the
auspices of JICA in 2001.
Ironically, this project was an assignement I had to do as required
by the training course while in Japan and I never thought
it would be such a big and successful project.
The idea came as a result of my visit to various
Independent Living Centres in Japan throughout the training course.
I thought to my self that if the Japanese can do it,
then South Africans can also do it!
The experience is wonderful.
Thank u for the broad knowledge impacted upon me.
Julius
Posted by jicafriends at 10:17 AM | Comments (0)
August 04, 2005
Congratulatory message-Ueno Etsuko(JSRPD)
Dear Kety, Carlos and other JICA friends,
I wish to congratulate Kety's launching the bakery and Carlos's first
disability census in Algarrobo Town.
I was very much impressed with the concrete progress
in each of your own field.
Both of you gave a great encouragement not only to us,
but to all other relevant people who have been struggling in finding
better approaches for the improvement of lives of
persons with disabilities in their own community/country/region.
Thank you again for sharing the good news with all of us!
With regards.
Etsuko Ueno, JSRPD
Posted by jicafriends at 02:12 PM | Comments (1)
May 25, 2005
Flower season
Roses and puppies are now in full bloom in Japan.
There are four seasons in Japan. Spring is from March to May,
summer from June to August, autumn from September to November and
winter from December to February.
The Japanese appreciate and enjoy the transition of the seasons.
Posted by jicafriends at 02:24 PM | Comments (0)
May 19, 2005
I am very happy with my new job,
Hi, my friends,
I am very happy with my new job, Our research project will start very soon,
it is about a wheelchair which is designed by an american wheelchair user for the geoghraphical condition of our country,
we will test this wheelchair ; we will distribute about one hundred of these wheelchairs to one hundred disabled people having both leg paralysis or both leg amputation, they will have three visits to our office and will tell us about the goodnesses and diffficulties of the wheelchairs,
then after improvement of the wheelchair we will ask some doners to provide
fund for its big number production and then we will distribute to all of the needy people of the country.
Best Regards,
Qaseem Wardak (Rehabilitation 2004)
Posted by jicafriends at 03:07 PM | Comments (0)
My Good Friends,
My Good Friends,
I am still doing very well to impact into my people whatever I learnt from
the progamme.
We start a poultry programme but unfortunately due to insuficient money the
poultry could not survive.
We have not given up, we are still trying our best to do something but we
need external help as far as financing is concerned.
Ocran Michael (Leaders' course 2004)
Posted by jicafriends at 01:54 PM | Comments (0)
May 13, 2005
Hai!
i'm grace from malaysia ex-participant of leader of PWD 2003.
here i attach some picture that we take during the time in japan,
thk u very much & wishing urs all the best.
from grace
Posted by jicafriends at 05:35 PM | Comments (0)
Thank you
I want to thank you all for the beautiful words written to Nacho.
His 3 daughters are recollecting things about their father and
they will be very happy to read your messages.
Your friend,
Veronica Rodriguez
Posted by jicafriends at 05:32 PM | Comments (0)
May 06, 2005
"Greetings" from Columbia
I've just received a phone call from Mr. Marco Tulio BENAVIDES Acosta, an
ex-participant of Leaders' course 2003.
He cannot access the internet at present. However he wanted to say "hello"
to all JICA friends, so he asked me to put his message into our web site. He
is missing his training period and friends who participated in the training
couse together. Marco also wanted to express his sympathy for Nacho's
bereaved family. Nacho, Carlos (Chile) and Marco were called "Latin Trio"
during the training.
Marco is very well in Columbia right now.
I am going to keep in touch with him and report you how he is from time to
time.
Best regards,
keiko nakatani
Posted by jicafriends at 05:23 PM | Comments (0)
April 28, 2005
The season of fresh verdure
After a flurry of falling cherry blossoms
May is the time for the dwarf azalea and new-leaved trees in Japan.
Why don't you walk along with a gentle breeze?
Posted by jicafriends at 04:11 PM | Comments (1)
Hello from Nueva Vizcaya
Just want to show some of the pictures of our bakery.
See you in our BAKERY FORMAL LAUNCHING...
Mary
Posted by jicafriends at 10:23 AM | Comments (0)
April 27, 2005
To all our Japanese friends,
To all our Japanese friends,
We feel very sad about the train accident in Osaka, and hope that all of you
and your families and friends are fine. But anyway it´s sad to see this
things in the news. Please take care.
Love,
Veronica and Jose
Posted by jicafriends at 01:31 PM | Comments (2)
The Golden Week starts from this Friday
The Golden Week starts from this Friday
(From April 29 to May 5)
As you can see the following calendar, not a week, but ten days holiday will start from April 29, if you take leaves on 2nd and 6th of May. Some of the companies and offices will be closed for ten days.
April 29 Greenery Day
It is the late Emperor Showa's birthday. After his death, it was designated as a day for preserving Japan's greenery.
April 30 Saturday
May 1 Sunday
May 3 Constitution Day
It is a day to commemorate the enactment of the Constitution of Japan in 1947.
May 4 National Holiday
It was decided that this day should be a national holiday because it is between May 3, Constitution Day, and May 5, Children's Day.
May 5 Children’s Day
It is a day to hope for the health and happiness of children.
It used to be called “tango no sekku”, a day of celebration for boys only and put up carp-shaped streamers for this day.
May 7 Saturday
May 8 Sunday
Posted by jicafriends at 11:55 AM | Comments (0)
April 25, 2005
Hello from Philippines,
Hello from Philippines,
Creating the JICA freinds is really a terrific one. Hope to read more
messages and know information about disability issues from the different
coutries of the world.
By the way this is Mary Anthony Subia, past 4th Duskin trainee and the
President of our organization,Provincial Federation of Persons with
Disability of Nueva Vizcaya, Inc. here in the Philippines. I am writting a
message in behalf of Ms. Enriqueta P. Rala, 2004 JICA trainee for Leaders of
Persons with Disability
We are running different kinds of livelihood project that caters almost
5000 persons with different kinds of disabilities like restaurant, boat
rental, bike rental, mini groceries, etc.
Last January we again added another livelihood project which is PWD
Bakery. We will have our formal launching on July 2005. We wish that someone
from Japan will attend and witness our formal launching because this is
Enriqueta Rala's Action Plan during her training in Japan. She is really
doing great. Hope to see you here in Philippines.
Thanks for all the support and for all the advices. We will do our best.
We hope that you will continue to support us. We are really eager to improve
our PWD bakery like knowing how to market our products and how to improve
more our products. Thanks a lot.
Attached are some of the pictures in our organization.
Best regards,
Mary Anthony G. Subia
President
Provincial Federation of Persons with Disability of Nueva Vizcaya, Inc.
Posted by jicafriends at 02:18 PM | Comments (2)
Dear All from Aqeel
Dear All,
I am very glad to sharing that my Hometown Railway Station has facilities for people with disabilities.
From last 1 year I was continuing asking superintendent of station to make station accessible for people with disabilities. I had made written request to superintendent of station (SS) last year. I was keep asking and pushing people to make station accessible from last one year. From last 4 months I am mostly staying with my family, and I visited many times to railway station and asked SS to make station accessible for people with disabilities. The SS of my hometown is very sensitive towards disabilities. They recently constructed some facilities for people with disabilities at Railway station in my hometown. Like parking, toilet, ramps and drinking water for people with disabilities.
The superintendent of station invited me to see how station is accessible for people with disabilities. I was so happy that day to see my hometown station has facilities for people with disabilities. He asked me to give some tips and advice to make station more accessible for people with disabilities. I made one presentation where I showed to them, how station are accessible in other countries. I made half an hour presentation in front of very senior people. It made me feel so great.
What I learned from this "we can do it", if we continue pushing or asking for our rights. I never thought they can make it. I am so thankful to staff for listening me and they are really deserve appreciation. They really did a wonderful job. This time when I traveled from hometown to New Delhi, superintendent of station personally help me in boarding to train. He is really so nice and sensitive person. He asked me to make one more presentation to sensitize station staff in near future.
In the end, I am so happy to see my station accessible for people with disabilities. Please find enclosed photographs of Station.
Warm regards,
Aqeel
Posted by jicafriends at 11:54 AM | Comments (1)
April 08, 2005
Hello from Akiko
Hello. It has been so much fun to read messages from all over the world ;-) !!
In Feb, I visited Myanmar and met Ms. Nyunt Nyunt WIN who was participant of leader course 2000. 5 years have passed since I met her in Japan. Time fries:-) I was happy to see her again and know she is doing well.
Take care and keep in touch,
Akiko
Posted by jicafriends at 01:55 PM | Comments (0)
April 07, 2005
Sweet scents from Japan - K.Nakatani (JSRPD)
Chilly winter is over now and spring has come to Japan.
Cherry blossoms are in full bloom everywhere.
The Japanese love to go out to appreciate the cherry blossoms and today
I would like you to enjoy the Japanese spring with me.
Keiko Nakatani
Posted by jicafriends at 04:26 PM | Comments (0)
March 24, 2005
Dear ALL from T.WAYAMA (JSRPD)
Dear ALL
Nice to share with you that web site for us has been launched in order to
exchange information & experiences globally.
I hope that we will make use of this site so that we could learn
from each other and develop our network.
I would like to encourage all of you to particiate this web
development so as to make this site informative as well as useful.
Cheers!
T.WAYAMA
Posted by jicafriends at 10:52 PM | Comments (7)
March 23, 2005
Hi, everybody! from M.OKUHIRA (JSRPD)
Hi, everybody!
I am Masako, a staff of JSRPD.
I had a business in Philippines in Februry and had a chance to visit Katy's place.
Ms. Enriqueta Peredas Rala (we called her Katy) is working at Provincial Federation of Persons with Disability of Nueva Vizcaya, Inc. Nueva Vizcaya is a province located in a mountain area, 5 - 6 hours from Manila.
Their activity is very interesting. They run a boat house, cafeterria and now are preparing to open a bakery shop.
I heard that opening a bakery shop was her action plan. She is making her plan happen. Great!!! I am so happy to see it.
M.OKUHIRA
Posted by jicafriends at 06:40 PM | Comments (4)
My very first job from K.NAKATANI (JSRPD)
My very first job for the follow-up program was a kind of exploration of the “store house” at JSRPD, where you can find all the important documents, books, reports, pictures, and other materials.
Reading through the reports of training courses in the past was like studying the history of the disability field in and outside of Japan. Old reports can only give you part of the picture, however, so we decided to send the “Questionnaire for the JICA follow-up Program” to former participants. We received a lot of valuable information from your responses but realized this was only a one-way means of communicating. We thus decided to start up this web site so that we could hear your voice and ex-participants could share their experiences and ideas. Let’s all walk together, talk together and advocate together!
K.NAKATANI
Posted by jicafriends at 02:31 PM | Comments (1)