December 25, 2008

Training Report : November 14, 2008: Workshop: How to Write Project Plan

At the end of the training course, each participant is required to write Project Plan by applying what they learned in Japan. During this training course, two days workshops is programmed on project plan writing and presentation skill. Ms. Sarajean Rossito is a nonprofit NGO consultant with background in the human rights issues in Asia and she gives these workshops.

Ms. Sarajean explained the items to be covered in Project Plan required by JICA with examples. Some of the participants already had experience of writing projects plans and also obtaining funds.
But with Ms. Sarajean, they could improve their project writing skills.

The resource parson was not only the lecturer in this workshop. The participants also have a rich experiences and valuable opinions, so they were asked to share their ideas with the group and also to work in a pair to discuss and exchange opinions with each other. In this way, they could get more ideas and develop their plans.

The participants brought their computers to the classroom and they started drafting their project in the class. It was an intensive whole-day workshop but the participants could improve their writing skills.
The second workshop is programmed for December 5 and the participants are asked to bring their draft project paper in word and also to prepare their presentation materials.

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December 11, 2008

Training Report : November 7, 2008: Lecture: Welfare Service and Systems for Persons with Disabilities Ⅱ

Today's lecturer was one of the leading figures in Japanese disability movement, Mr. Koji ONOUE, Secretary General of Japan National Assembly of Disabled Peoples' International (DPI-Japan).

Mr. Onoue started his lecture by sharing his own childhood experiences in an institution with the participants. At that time, the medical approach was prevailing. For example, he was identified by a number “55” and received experimental surgical operations many times regardless of his will which made his disability even severer.

Mr. Onoue then talked how the movements of persons with disabilities have been involved in development of the Japanese welfare measures and services. He explained about the shift from medical model to social model, the development of the independent living movement and postwar policies for persons with disabilities, the International Year of Disabled Persons and dissemination of the idea of normalization. It was only in the 1990’s when the support for the community life or independent living in the actual systems and services started.

From Mr. Onoue's lecture, the participants could learn that the current welfare services and systems which might look very nice to them were not available for persons with disabilities from the beginning. But the strong movements and involvement of persons with disabilities over the last 50 years had played important roles in their development.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2008/training/l1107.html

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Training Report : November 13, 2008: Watching a Film “A Piece of Your Home”

In this evening, the participants watched a film “A Pieace of Your Home” at JICA Tokyo. And it was for free! Not only this course's participants but other participants who are staying in JICA Tokyo were invited.

But what is the importance of this film ?

The nine participants are going to visit a facility which initially started for persons with mental disabilities next week during their regional training in Wakayama Prefecture. The facility is called Muginosato (Barley Village) and it is the model for this film.

“A Piece of Your Home” was filmed to celebrate 30th anniversary of Kyosaren (Japan Association of Community Workshops for Disabled Persons.) It depicts the often misunderstood attitudes that the Japanese people have toward mental health patients. By watching this film prior to their visit, they could learn how this organization started and what kind of frictions with the local community they had faced at initial stages. The film has successfully transformed a serious theme into an entertaining story with a strong message and the audience with different background could enjoy it very much.

Ms. Yoko Kawakubo, Assistant Secretary General of Kyosaren, and Mr. Hiroshi Ueno, Adviser on International Affairs of Kyosaren and chairperson of Planning Committee of this course, were kindly present in today’s event.
This film was already produced with the Spanish subtitle and shown in Costa Rica. So, the participant from Costa Rica had already seen this film before.
After watching the film, many audiences wished to show the film in their own countries or have a copy of the film to bring back home.

At the end of the tonight's show, some participants shared their comments:

• It was a quite personal film and it will take me long time to think about today's film. The father showed a negative image at first but he changed. That point shows the civil society's attitude for persons with disabilities.
• This film showed a negative side of the society's attitude. But persons with mental disabilities are a part of society. They should live in a society. People have a negative attitude in local area. Persons without disabilities have to know about disabilities. This film is a good way to work for local people.
• It was a very educational film. In my country, persons with mental disabilities are neglected for a long time, so now I got an idea to work for mental disabilities.

Now the participants are so expectantly looking forward to visiting the Muginosato, seeing how actually the organization has been developed based in the local community, and learning from their activities. We all thank to Kyosaren for giving this opportunity to watch the film tonight.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2008/training/l1113.html

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December 04, 2008

Training Report : November 17, 2008: Regional Training (Day 1) Barrier-free Tourism - Visit to Miyajima, World Cultural Heritage

This week the participants have a long-awaited one-week regional training in Hiroshima and Wakayama!

This morning they left JICA Tokyo at 8 am for the Haneda Domestic Airport and flew to the world famous City of Hiroshima.

After an enjoyable flight of one and a half hour, the participants arrived to the Hiroshima Airport and there a bus equipped with a lift was waiting for them. Then the participants moved to Miyajima, an island with a world cultural heritage “Itsukushima Shrine” and the participants observed the barrier-free tourism.

Some participants commented that their countries also have a lot of beautiful places and sightseeing spots, however, they are not made accessible so they have not been able to enjoy those places. Others mentioned that the cultural and social side of the life of people with disabilities were often neglected or seen as luxury, but it's related to the quality of life and it's their rights to enjoy social and cultural aspects of human life.

One of the participants also commented that he expected the Miyajima to have applied a modern technology to make it accessible, but what they've observed was rather low cost devices for example wodden slopes. Other participant also mentioned about the possible economic contribution that the barrier-free tourism could bring as barrier-free tourism can widen the range of customers and consumers. It could possibly create new employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

In Hiroshima, the leaves were turning its colors from green to red, yellow and brown and the participants were blessed with a lovely autumn weather today. They fully enjoyed the beauty of Miyajima and it became an unforgettable memory.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2008/training/l1117.html

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Training Report : November 8, 2008: Visit to the homes of persons with disabilities

The participants have so far learned about Japanese welfare services for persons with disabilities through lectures. But what is the actual day-to-day life of persons with disabilities like?

Today the participants had a great opportunity to visit the homes of Japanese people with disabilities, and to learn and exchange opinions about their daily life in each country. They were divided into four groups and visited four families who live in suburban Tokyo.

The weather was rather cold with scattered light rain, but warm welcome by the host families awaited the participants. The participants and the host families talked about a lot of issues related to their life like job and education, including personal matters such as marriage and raising the children.

How quickly time passes! Everyone enjoyed spending time together and getting to know each other. We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to all the host families.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2008/training/l1108.html

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December 01, 2008

Training Report : October 27, 2008 PM: Lecture: “Welfare Service and Measures for Persons with Disabilities I”

The first training program took place this afternoon.

Ms. Chihiro KAWAMURA, an associate professor of Department of Social Work at Saitama Prefectural University and a planning committee member of this training course, gave a lecture on the welfare service and measures for persons with disabilities in Japan.

Firstly she explained the major Japanese laws which developed between 1945 and 1960, such as Child Welfare Laws, and other laws concerning persons with physical, mental and intellectual disabilities respectively. She then described an overview of persons with disabilities in Japan by giving information such as the number of people with disabilities, categories of physical disabilities etc. Then the development of Japanese measures after the International Year of Disabled Persons (IYDP) in 1981 was explained in the international context.

Ms. Kawamura proceeded to talk about the welfare services in more details focusing on education and employment spheres. The statistical information, historical development, and the current situation and challenges were explained. The participants raised a lot of questions comparing with the situations in their countries.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2008/training/l1027pm.html

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November 27, 2008

Training Report : November 5, 2008: Workshop: Human Rights and Advocacy

On the second day, in the morning, the participants were asked to make their own role plays and present them in front of other groups. They were divided into three groups and discussed what kind of cases to be taken in their role plays and what messages to be conveyed. Even though the group was randomly selected and they were asked to create the play suddenly, they came up with really good role plays. All the stories they made were based on their real experiences and the performance of the participants were clear and realistic. Some participants even felt bad, recalling the painful experiences they had in the past.

At the end of the workshop, the participants gave some comments reflecting on the last two days:

* I see many abuses in my workplace but no one take action against it.
I got courage from the workshop and I want to make a step forward to fight against abuses upon return to my country.

* My organization provides consultation services but I never knew about internal barrier that those who get abused develop. I'd like to hold this kind of workshop in my country.

* Never accept abuse as our destiny. As a human being, we have to fight against abuses.

The participants got encouraged and empowered to fight against abuses seen in the daily life and to promote human rights of persons with disabilities. They closed the workshop by singing “Kono Machiga Sukisa (I Like ThisTown).”

http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2008/training/l1105.html

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Training Report : November 4, 2008: Workshop: Human Rights and Advocacy

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was adopted in December 2006. But do we really understand what human right is? How is it related to our day to day life? Often trivial abuses or maltreatments which are even not recognized as abuses can develop into serious violation of human rights.

Ms. Kinue SUZUKI, Ms. Keiko HIGUCHI and Mr. Hajime IWAMOTO facilitated the “Human Rights and Advocacy” workshop. This workshop was first introduced to this course last year but this year it was made into a two-day workshop with some improvements in the contents.

We started the workshop by singing a song “Kono Machiga Sukisa (I Like This Town).” It's a simple lyric but the song somehow cheers us when we sing it. This year it was sung not only in Japanese but also in English, and the participants sang this song repeatedly throughout the workshop.

The workshop consists of five steps: (1) what is abuse? (2) why is it difficult to stand against abuse? (3) In this way, you can stand against abuse! (4) Have a try! Believe in your power. (5) Win back our rights! Each step was explained in more details. A lot of role plays were used as a straight-forward but effective method to convey messages during this workshop. The new scenarios which reflected the reality of the participants' countries were created especially for this year's workshop. In this way the participants can take the role plays back to their respective countries to reproduce this workshop right away. The participants were encouraged to share their experiences or the cases commonly seen in their countries.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2008/training/l1104.html

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November 20, 2008

Training Report : November 1, 2008: Visit: Tokyo Metropolitan Sports Center for the Disabled

It was a clear autumn day. The participants visited the Tokyo Metropolitan Sports Center for the Disabled. Mr. Ueno, chairperson of Planning Committee and Mr. Kanoya who is a regular user of this center accompanied us all day today.

In the morning, the overview of the sports center was explained to the participants by Mr. Muramatsu, Deputy-director of Sports Support Division. He has been working for the center more than 20 years since its establishment. Mr. Muramatsu then introduced them various sports devices with which persons with even severe disabilities can enjoy sports safely. Some of those devices are very expensive to buy, however Mr. Muramatsu said that it could be made by hands by utilizing local materials which has similar characteristics. For instance, you may be able to substitute balls with metal inside for the sound table tennis with round-shaped plants' seeds which make noise when you shake.

Then the participants went on a tour to observe all the facilities; gymnasium, swimming pool, table tennis and sound table tennis, sports field, tennis court etc. The center also has barrier-free accommodation for persons with disabilities and the participants got excited to see Japanese Style rooms with Tatami mattress.

In the afternoon, the participants could choose sports that they want to try ! They were divided into three groups and experienced sound-table-tennis, wheelchair tennis, and wheelchair badminton. At least one trainer was assigned to each facility and the participants could get instructions on the sports and enjoy it fully and safely despite all of them did not have previous experience.

Mr. Muramatsu concluded today's program by saying “The main aim of the center is to contribute to the realization of the principle of normalization through the promotion of sports and we have strived to promote the sports activities which persons with disabilities, persons without disabilities, and local residents are able to enjoy together.” The participants could deepen their understanding of the positive influence that the sports have on physical and mental aspects of persons with disabilities and also its important roles to promote more inclusive society.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2008/training/l1101.html

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November 19, 2008

Training Report : October 31, 2008: Presentation: Personal / Organizational Report

Today, each participant made a presentation on the organization which they belong to, their job, and their personal history. This session used to be called “Personal Report Presentation” focusing on participants' personal background. However, from this year more emphasis is put on their organization and their work.

Another characteristic of the presentation this year was its venue. Instead of JICA Tokyo seminar room, it was held at the International Community Center (ICC) of Waseda University. This university is one of the most prominent Japanese private universities and it is also known for its established support services for students with disabilities which are not often available at many of universities in Japan yet.

At the presentation, consecutive interpreter as well as sign language interpreter was prepared to secure information and communication accessibility to all. As a result there were a number of audiences from various organizations: some lecturers of this course, others from non governmental organizations in the field of disability and development issues. Also several Waseda University students joined the session and asked many sharp questions. The participants also raised questions and gave comments to each other.

Today the participants as well as the related Japanese personnel could have good information on personal background and work and deepen understanding of each other. We would like to show our appreciation to the ICC, Waseda University for their cooperation in offering the location.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2008/training/l1031.html

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November 17, 2008

Training Report : November 6, 2008: Peer Counseling and Peer Support

In the morning, the participants learned about what Peer Counseling is and why it is needed.

Peer counseling assumes that we all have the following philosophy: all human beings have creativity, wisdom, love, joy, and solidarity in abundance. This philosophy, an intrinsic part of all human beings, is easy to upset; therefore, in order to protect ourselves, we prepare defensive mechanism like fear and insecurity. As long as we are unable to discuss these hurt feelings and be comforted, we make decisions and take action based on our hurt feelings and sorrow rather than on clear, logical thought.
As long as these hurt feelings are not resolved by talking with someone else, the person's actions are filled with anguish and clear, rational thinking does not take place.

The participants seemed to be perplexed in the beginning because it was entirely the new method for all of them. But as the program was proceeded, they became to be curious to know about it.

In the afternoon, they went through session which they shared time equally to talk about their problems or experiences. The details cannot be explained here. If you would like to know of it, you should join us in the program.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2008/training/l1106.html

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November 06, 2008

Training Report : October 29 - 30, 2008: Participatory Workshop: Leadership Skills

What are the important principles to be good leaders ?

Mr. Yoshinori IKEZUMI, the facilitator of this workshop, has over 30 years of experience in conducting participatory approach workshop in Bangladesh, Nepal, Philippines and the other Asian countries.

Mr. Ikezumi started the first day by this word “this session is not going to be teaching, but we would like to exchange and share ideas that you have with all participants”.

He always threw back questions when participants asked a question. In this way, all participants were encouraged to speak up, share more ideas, and deepen their understanding of issues. He also presented about origin of key words which relates to disability and necessary skills of leaders.

The participants could come up with lots of new ideas which they can utilize for raising awareness of the community people.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2008/training/l1029.html

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Training Report : Accessibility Check in Tokyo Metropolitan City Lecture : “What is Personal Mobility ?”

Do people with disability in your country go to where they want to go, when they want to go, in a way they want to go ? Or do they only go to where they CAN go ?

In this morning, the participants were divided into 3 groups for accessibility check of transportation and building in Tokyo Metropolitan City. They left JICA Tokyo heading for 3 different famous sites in Tokyo as below.

Group 1: Ferris wheel “Big O”
Group 2: Roppoongi - Tokyo Midtown
Group 3: Hachiko (Statute of Japan's Most Faithful Dog)

While heading for the destinations, they checked various barrier-free facilities and devices provided for persons with disabilities. All participants were very much impressed about train staffs who came down to a platform with a portable ramp to assist wheelchair users. At the station where they get off, the train staff there was already waiting with a portable ramp ready to provide assistance. Very good communication between stations !

Today the participants were blessed with beautiful Japanese autumn weather and they enjoyed their tour.

In the afternoon, Mr. Yoshiaki IMAFUKU, Transportation Affairs Officer, Japan National Assembly of Disabled People's International (DPI-Japan), gave an explanation of each barrier-free facility, by looking at photos taken during the accessibility check this morning.

Then Mr. Imafuku raised two questions to the participants: (1) Why is it important for persons with disabilities to be able to go anywhere they want ? (2) If persons with disabilities don't have personal mobility, what rights will they be deprived of ?

He lectured about the brief history of making transportation accessible in Japan by taking about his involvement and achievement. The participants shared their ideas of personal mobility and how it is related to other spheres of life such as education, social life, employment as well as psychological aspects.

Through the accessibility check and the lecture, the participants could understand the importance for persons with disabilities to be able to go to places they want to go or need to go.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2008/training/l1028.html

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November 04, 2008

Training Report : October 27, 2008 AM: Opening Ceremony and Program Oritentation

Nine participants of Leadership Development Course had arrived safely on Oct 21.

This year's participants are from Costa Rica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Laos, Malawi, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Turkey and Uganda.

Opening Ceremony was held today at Assembly Room of JICA Tokyo.

Welcome Speeches were addressed by Ms. Ritsuko SAKAMOTO, Director of Human Development Division, Tokyo International Center, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and then by Mr. Shuzo KATAISHI, Executive Director, Japanese Society for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities (JSRPD).

The participants took a group photo with flags of their respective countries behind.

After the Opening Ceremony, the Program Orientation took place. Firstly nine participants introduced themselves and expressed their expectations for the coming training program. Then Mr. Hiroshi UENO, chairperson of Planning Committee of this training course, gave explanation of this training.

Now the training is starting !

We are all looking for the working together as a team for the coming weeks!

http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2008/training/l1027am.html

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September 17, 2008

Training Report : July 10, 2008, PM: Local Vist (Day 4)

It was a beautiful day.
Six participants were very excited and ready to work with users of Samegawa Tanpopo-no-ie.
Their first task requested by Ms. Yaeko Shiraiwa, Director of the facility, was picking up fruits from Japanese apricot (ume) trees. They left the facility together with users and staff by car to perform their morning duty. Apricot yard belongs to the director of the post office and he kindly allowed them to get apricot fruits for free. Though woolly bears often welcomed them, they never stop working.
Tanpopo-no-ie is going to produce the salad dressing by using those apricot fruits.

At lunch time, Japanese noodle “Udon” produced in Tanpopo-no-ie was served. As you can see Udon became the participants’ favorite dish.

After lunch, the second task was waiting for all the men. They went to the pumpkin field to cover it with straw. The participants from China, Fiji, and Lao PDR worked so hard that they could accomplish their task very quickly. Meanwhile lady team was in charge of removing stems of apricot fruits inside the facility. They also visited the pumpkin field to observe how the other participants were working together with the users.

Before leaving Tanpopo-no-ie, “question and answer” session was specially arranged by Ms. Shiraiwa. The users asked many questions to the participants and of course they were very happy to answer all of them.

It is happy to say “hello”, but so hard to say “good-bye” to all the friends at Samegawa Tanpopo-no-ie.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0710.html

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Training Report : July 9, 2008, PM: Local Vist (Day 3)

At lunchtime, six participants enjoyed Japanese noodle “udon” at Madeini-ya, a noodle shop run by Samegawa Tanpopo-no-ie. It is located in a big shopping mall. Two users with intellectual disability was working there as waiters. Their attentive service to the customers had proved that persons with intellectual disability could be efficient workers when the working environment was arranged. The participants were very impressed to observe how they worked and had to change their views towards persons with intellectual disabilities. Udon, which was served there, was produced at Tanpopo-no-ie. And it became popular among the community people.

After lunch, they visited one of the supporters of Kokoron, Oki Daikichi Honten, a microbrewer of Japanese rice-wine (Sake), where three persons with disabilities were employed. Oki Daikichi Honten was established in 1865. The shop faces the old Oshu-Kaido Highway, one of the five main highways constructed during Edo Period (1603-1867). Mr. Daikichi Oki, the fourth-generation and Mr. Daikichi Oki, the fifth-generation showed them around the brewery to observe how persons with disabilities were working there as well as the process of making sake. Mrs. Oki and her daughter welcomed and entertained the participants with home-made dishes.

They stayed at the Oki Daikichi Honten longer than they planned, and had to hurry to the Samegawa Village Office to have a courtesy visit to Mr. Katsuhiro Daikura, Village Mayor. They had a one-hour fruitful meeting with the mayor and he promised them to work harder for persons with disabilities living in Samegawa Village.

At night all the staff from Samegawa tanpopo-no-ie came to their lodging “Hot House Samegawa” to eat dinner together with the participants. It was a great opportunity to get to know with each other.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0709pm.html

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September 08, 2008

Training Report : July 9, 2008, AM: Local Vist (Day 3)

In the morning six participants met Ms. Kumada, director of Kokoron, at Kokoroya, a direct sales store which mainly sells local agricultural products and local specialties. They also run Café at the back of their shop to serve 500 yen-lunch. This lunch became very popular among community people as they can buy it just with one 500 yen coin. At present 23 users with mental disabilities work at Kokoroya　and prepare for working in open labor market.

After looking around the shop, Ms. Kumada gave the participants a brief lecture at Café. She explained why she started Kokoron and chose the place Izumizaki and how she manages all the facilities such as Kokoron, Kokoroya, Nagomino-Ie and a group home named Kokoron House. What Ms. Kumada is doing now is not just the employment promotion of persons with disabilities, but she aims to enliven Izumizaki Village and to overcome barriers between community people and people with disabilities.

Then the participants visited Tsuburaya-Kinoko-En run by Mr. Yasuo Tsuburaya. He cultivates Shiitake (Japanese mushrooms) and sells them at Kokoroya.

His Shiitake received the Award of Minister from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry. He could sell mushrooms at good price, however he sells them at low price at Kokoroya. Mr. Tsuburaya told them that he was happy about contributing to persons with mental disabilities. Six participants were impressed by the attitude of Mr. & Mrs. Tsuburaya.

Before leaving, the participants were called by a couple of a tomato farm next to Tsuburaya-Kinoko-En. They picked up and gave so many fresh tomatoes to the participants. Can you imagine how happy they were!

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0709am.html

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August 21, 2008

Training Report : June 27, 2008 AM: Rehabilitation Process

This morning Mr. Akira TERASHIMA, one of Planning Committee Members, gave a lecture on Rehabilitation Process. This is a new topic covered in to this course.

Mr. Terashima explained the overall process of rehabilitation, and the participants could understand what steps persons with disabilities take after acquiring disabilities from acute medical rehabilitation till job placement. Then, Mr. Terashima explained about the Japanese laws and regulations concerning persons with disabilities, degrees of disabilities and eligible services. The participants’ discussion developed into why a service dog is necessary for persons with hearing impairment. After that, he introduced the change from ICIDH* to ICF** and explained about the movement from medical model to social model of rehabilitation.

* ICIDH stands for International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities and Handicaps

** ICF stands for International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0627am.html

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August 19, 2008

Training Report : July 30, 2008: Presentation of Project Plan

Today six participants made a presentation of their Project Plan at JICA Tokyo. It showed what they plan to do by applying their learning from Japan after returning to their home countries. Each participant gave 40 min presentation as follows.Please click the project title to read the whole text.

Morning

1. Participant from Vietnam

Project Title: ENTRANCE TO INDEPENDENT LIFE (PDF)
Summary: Overall goal of this project is that students with disabilities from Ho Chi Minh Vocational College of Technology will get job and live independently. This project consists of three aspects (1) improving vocational skills and social skills of students with disabilities, (2) improving teaching skills of teachers and (3) approaching to companies to employ school graduates with disabilities. The project starts in February 2009 till December 2010 and the total budget is estimated at US$ 150,000.

2. Participant from Nepal

Project Title: HAMRO HANDICRAFTS (PDF)
Summary: Overall goal of this project is that persons with disabilities get employed, become confident and live independently. In order to achieve this goal, this project provides 6 months training in knitting, cross-stick and production of cookies to 13 persons with disabilities as well as women in need and people in poverty. The total budget is estimated at Rs. 354,000 (equivalent to US$ 5240.6).

3. Participant from Laos

Project Title: SHINING STAR - Job creation through wheelchair development project

Summary: This project aims to provide training to 5 persons with physical disorders in wheelchair production at a wheelchair production workshop of the National Rehabilitation Center. After the training, the trainees will be employed at the workshop. Through this project, it is expected to increase the production capacity of the workshop and also to create jobs for persons with disabilities. The duration of the project is 10 month starting from August 2008 and the total budget is estimated at US$ 5,050.

Afternoon

4. Participant from Fiji

Project Title: HAPPY FUTURE - Finding employment for persons with disabilities
Summary: This project aims at job placement of persons with disabilities in service industry especially in a supermarket. The beneficiaries are six students of the Fiji Vocational and Technical Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities, both male and female, of any disabilities. To achieve this aim, this plan requires to approach companies and to make a curriculum which meets companies' needs. In this project, he would like to introduce trial employment. The project is from October 2008 to December 2009 and its total budget is estimated at US$ 11,000.

5. Participant from China

Project Title: WIN-WIN EMPLOYMENT - To develop cooperation with companies for opening up to PWDs and provides supporting and service for stable work
Summary: This project aims to promote employment of persons with disabilities through the following three objectives: (1) 80 persons with physical disorders will be employed at an insurance company A in two years, (2) 15 persons with physical disorders and hearing impairment will be employed at a private company P, (3) Two training courses will be provided in two years for persons with intellectual disabilities in service industry in cooperation with two companies M and N. The duration of project is from October 2008 to September 2010 and the total budget is estimated at US$ 4,049,460.

6. Participant from Bangladesh

Project Title: PEACE TO LIVE - Income Generation Program for Persons with Intellectual & Physical Disabilities
Summary: This project will provide social rehabilitation training and vocational training to 20 persons with disabilities respectively, from 18 to 35 years of age, from 4 different self help groups. Social rehabilitation training aims to improve life skills and social skills of persons with disabilities. Vocational trainings are provided in three subjects: Block printing on cloths, Batic printing on cloths, and Jurdousi (embroidery) on cloths. The project period is from August 2008 to December 2009 and its total budget is estimated at US$ 43,843.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0730.html

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Training Report : July 29, 2008 PM: Future Perspectives on Employment of Persons with Disabilities

Time flies and this afternoon was the last lecture in Japan !

The lecture was about the “Future Perspectives on Employment of Persons with Disabilities” given by Mr. Katsunori Fujii, Executive Director of Kyosaren (Japan Association of Community Workshop for Disabled Persons).
Those participants who went to see the film “A Piece of Your Home” on June 26 recognized his face.

Mr. Fujii gave explanation of the importance of to work and the relationship between work and disability. He talked about reasonable accommodation mentioned in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Then he told the participants that it already moved from the medical model to the social model, of which standpoint was also being applied to employment issues.

Mr. Fujii then gave his opinion on the future perspective in the field of employment of persons with disabilities. He explained the desirable direction by introducing the European case where the labor law and minimum wage were applied to sheltered workshops and community workshops, and the government or companies compensate some part of salary and provide human support for employees with disabilities.

At the end of his lecture, Mr. Fujii talked to the six participants about Mr. Ichiro Maruyama, founder of this training course and former course leader. He explained that in August 2007, Mr. Maruyama appealed to the International Labor Organization (ILO) that Japanese government was breaching the ILO Convention No. 159. It was the first case for the Japanese government to be sued internationally and it was also the first case for ILO to be appealed in regard to Convention No. 159 as an employment issue of persons with disabilities. The core of his appeal was that the labor law should be applied to the persons with severe disabilities who are working at sheltered workshops or small scale community workshops. Its judgment will be given soon.

Mr. Maruyama fought for persons with disabilities especially in the employment field until his last moments. Keep Mr. Mayuyama's ambition and his spirits in our heart, and let us strive for employment promotion of persons with disabilities in each respective country.

Mr. Maruyama's Acceptance Speech

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0729pm.html

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Training Report : July 29, 2008 AM: The Right to Decent Work of Persons with Disabilities

What is Decent Work?

The lecturer Mr. Ryosuke Matsui, Professor of Hosei University asked the participants.

This morning, Mr. Matsui gave a comprehensive lecture on the rights to decent work of persons with disabilities. He explained major international conventions, recommendation, declaration etc. related to the employment of persons with disabilities.

For many participants it was first time to know about international efforts to eliminate the discrimination against persons with disabilities in employment field. Today they understood that everyone, with or without disabilities, without any exception, has the right to work. Not just to work but decent work!

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0729am.html

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Training Report : July 28, 2008: Final Check of Project Plan

This morning, the six participants had the last half a day session with Ms. Sarajean Rossitto.

Each participant practiced making a presentation for 15 minutes in front of other participants. While listening to the presentation, they were asked to check if all the topics were covered or not, using the check sheet prepared by Ms. Rossitto. On this sheet, they also wrote down two positive points, two suggestions to improve, one question and other comments. Ms. Rossitto checked the full text of their project plan and wrote comments for each participant. All the feedbacks were very valuable to them as they could use these ideas to improve their project presentation.

During this course, the participants had two and half days with Ms. Rossitto. Starting from no experience of writing project plan or project proposals, the participants now acquired basic knowledge of project plan writing and presentation skill.

There was no lecture or visit programmed for this afternoon so that they could use this time for more writing. After the lunch, all the participants came back to the classroom and worked on their project plans.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0728.html

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Training Report : July 1, 2008 PM: Visit: Japan Organization for Employment of the Eldery and Persons with Disabilities (JEED)

After Tokyo Vocational Center for Persons with Disabilities, they visited the headquarters of JEED, where they can enjoyed the view of the Tokyo Bay and the Rainbow Bridge.

Mr. Eisuke Saotome, Executive Vice President of JEED gave a welcome speech and a brief explanation of their services to all the participants. JEED was originally established in 1971 as the Association for Employment of the Disabled. Its name and role had changed according to changes in the social aspects or needs, and the Japan Organization for Employment of the Eldery and Persons with Disabilities was established in 2003.
URL for JEED: http://www.jeed.or.jp/english/index.html

Mr. Yoshihiko Nonaka, one of the committee members and Development Section Chief, Vocational Rehabilitation Center, National Institute of Vocational Rehabilitation, JEED gave them a lecture on Vocational Rehabilitation. He not only lectured but also showed them a video about the history of employment for persons with disabilities in Japan to deepen their knowledge.

On the way back to JICA Tokyo, they could see the Tokyo Tower from the bus.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0701pm.html

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Training Report : July 1, 2008 AM: Visit Tokyo Vocational Center for Persons with Disabilities

Six participants took a bus from JICA Tokyo to Ueno to visit Tokyo Vocational Center for Persons with Disabilities.

Mr. Shigeru Okano, Director, Ms. Chie Arisawa, Assistant Director, and Mr. Yuki Kato, Head Supervisor welcomed them at the entrance of the center.
After the welcome speech by Mr. Okano, Ms. Arisawa explained the role of this center.

Local Vocational Centers for Persons with Disabilities are located throughout Japan. The Center provides the vocational rehabilitation services such as vocational evaluation, vocational guidance, work preparation support, OA training courses and evaluation of individuals with intellectual and severe intellectual disabilities. Services provided both for persons with disabilities themselves and employers are support through job coaches and comprehensive employment support for persons with disabilities. And the center also provides services specific to employers such as consultation, assistance and employment management support.

Mr. Kato showed the participants around the center. And six participants became interested in vocational evaluation methods. They could try and experience different tools and learn how to use them.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0701am.html

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August 18, 2008

Training Report : July 25, 2008 PM : Learning from former participants through JICA-Net (TV conference)

Today's program is to learn from the activities of former participants through JICA-Net. JICA-Net facility enables to organize TV conferences regardless of distance constraints. This year, it was connected with two former participants of this course, Ms. Rekha Sriyani from Sri Lanka and Mr. Try Suphearac from Cambodia. Both are the participants of the course in 2007.

Ms. Rekha is a social service officer of the Department of Social Services, Central Province of Sri Lanka. Using the ideas and knowledge gained in Japan, she planned an “Income Generation Program for People with Spinal Cord Injuries.” In Sri Lanka, people with spinal cord injuries were depressed and dependent on family and government, and they cannot have future plans or look for new jobs. In order to solve this situation, she put the above program into practice.

After returning to her country, she started a variety of vocational training programs such as making brooms, candles and greeting cards, growing mushrooms, packing spices, etc. She has carefully chosen the training subjects considering market needs. She also considered that most of persons with spinal cord injuries use wheelchairs and chose suitable activities which wheelchair users can do. She also organized peer counseling among people with spinal cord injuries and also social rehabilitation such as training in wearing cloths and toileting etc. The pictures showed that these activities empowered the people with spinal cord injuries and they could regain confidence.

Mr. Try is a representative of Watthan Artisans Cambodia (WAC): A cooperative of Cambodian handicraft producers with disabilities. His project title is “SMILE HANDICRAFTS - To provide handicraft skill training and continue employment for persons with physical and intellectual disabilities.”

After the training in Japan, he started new training courses in wood carving and tailoring and 23 trainees are taking these courses and produce marketable products. Initially he tried to get grants but he failed. But he started again from the beginning and carried out these programs with smaller but several donations from other organizations. Now the products of WAC are sold even to European customers through internet. You can visit their website at http://www.wac.khmerproducts.com/

Mr. Akira Terashima, Planning Committee Member, participated in this program and he gave overall comments to both of the speakers. All the participants also contributed to the session by asking questions or giving comments.
Through JICA-Net, the participants could have real-time communication and opinion exchanges with these two former participants. They could see that neither Ms. Rekha nor Mr. Try gave up when they faced difficulties. Through these good examples of former participants, they could have clearer image of how they apply their learning in Japan to their activities upon returning to home countries.

We are deeply grateful to Ms. Rekha and Mr. Try for preparing the presentation materials and taking part in today's session.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0725pm.html

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August 11, 2008

Training Report : July 24, 2008 : How to Write Project Plan Ⅱ and Presentation Skill

This morning, the participants looked a little bit tired　because they had worked hard on writing drafts of their Project Plans by this morning.

This was the second day with Ms. Sarajean Rossitto. In the morning she checked their drafts and gave advices on where they were not sure about and where they could improve.

Afternoon was about presentation skill. Ms. Sarajean asked the participants to work in pair and brainstorm dos and don'ts when making a presentation. They came out with many ideas such as speaking clearly, making eye contact, not reading out of paper etc.

Ms. Sarajeam explained how to make an effective presentation covering various topics such as preparation, purpose, contents, format, delivery, visual aids etc. During the class, each participant started to write presentation outline using their drafts as a base.

Now that they know the key elements for making an effective presentation, the only thing they need to do is to practice.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0724.html

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Training Report : June 26, 2008 : Special Preview of a film “A Piece of Your Home” (Furusato wo Kudasai)

After today's lecture, 4 participants from China, Bangladesh, Laos and Vietnam went to see the special preview of a film “A Piece of Your Home” (Furusato wo Kudasai) with English Subtitle. It took place in the Nippon Foundation at Akasaka, central Tokyo.

The film is produced by Kyousaren (Japan Association of community Workshop for Disabled Persons). The story is about how people with mental disabilities have fought for and established their living in community of a country side village of Japan. It is based on the real story and filmed in a real place. The participants enjoyed watching this film.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0626.html

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August 07, 2008

Training Report : July 22 - 23, 2008 : Individual Training Program

This course is group training but two days individual training is programmed for each participant.

Since the arrival to Japan, the participants were asked by JSRPD staff about what they were interested in to learn more deeply and what they would like to do upon their return to home country to improve employment situation of persons with disabilities. Thus individual program was created suitable for each one of participants.

Through the individual training, the participants could deepen the understanding of their field of interests and of specific topics which were especially related to their Project Plan which is to be submitted at the end of the training in Japan.

The following table shows the training program of each participant.

DAISY stands for Digital Accessible Information System. The participant from Bangladesh is partially involved in the production of recorded books using DAISY, so today she learned about DAISY at the Information Center of JSRPD to deepened her understanding of DAISY in general. She was impressed to know that DAISY books are not only for persons with visual impairment but also useful for other people such as people with intellectual disabilities, elderly people etc. Learn more about DAISY at http://www.daisy.org/

SAORI can be woven by anyone and its weaving machine is easily adapted for any types of disabilities. In the organization of the participant from Nepal, its members make knitting products using loops or crochet hooks, but not weaving equipment like the one for SAORI. So after experiencing how to weave SAORI, she wishes to have something like this in her organization.
Also SAORI seems to have a healing power. When weaving, the Nepali participants concentrated so much and afterwards she seemed to be uplifted.
Learn more about SAORI at http://www.saori.co.jp/13english.html.

At Koyukai, the participants from Fiji and Laos experienced playing the Sound Table Tennis (STT) which can be played by people with or without visual impairment. The Fijian participant was excited to know about STT for the first time and he is now planning to introduce it in Fiji enthusiastically. In Laos, STT was already introduced in last January by a volunteer group of Japanese people including Ms. Igarashi, Executive Director of Koyukai and their STT players. The Lao participant wants to teach STT when he goes back to his country. We wish the STT will empower a lot of people with visual impairment in Laos, Fiji and other Asian-Pacific countries.

At Pallet, the participant from Nepal learned how to bake cookies for the first time in her life. As one of production activities in her organization, she had a desire to produce something like sweets which is daily consumption but she didn’t know how to. She was so much impressed how tasty and how high quality Pallet cookies are. In Nepal, there is something like cookies but not as tasty as the ones she tasted at Pallet, the participant commented. Now that the participant learned how to bake cookies, she is planning to introduce production of cookies in her organization.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0722.html

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Training Report : July 18, 2008 : Employment of Persons with Mental Disabilities

Today the participants visited Social Welfare Corporation JHC Itabashi. It aims to promote independence and social participation of persons with mental disabilities. JHC stands for Joint (cooperation, sharing, interaction), House (base), and Cosmos (harmony). They run 9 facilities and today the participants visited three of them: San Marina, Akatsuka and Cosmos.

First visit was San Marina. San Marina is a clubhouse established in 1992 and it aims to promote self-help activities of persons with mental disabilities. Mr. Toshiyuki Munakata, one of the committee members is its director, and so he accompanied the participants all day through.

San Marina is located right in the middle of a busy local shopping street. So, some participants got attempted to shop for bargains on its way.

As soon as the participants arrived at San Marina, they observed the morning assembly. In this meeting, the members who are persons with mental disabilities, check their health and emotional conditions and confirm what they plan to do on that day. Staff members, who are qualified social workers, nurses etc. are there to support the members when necessary. Then the participants received the explanation about the development of JHC Itabashi from two members.

You can learn more about clubhouse at website of International Center for Clubhouse Development (http://www.iccd.org/article.asp?articleID=3)

The participants had lunch at San Marina. It was prepared by members of San Marina. The menu is decided by the members in charge and shopping and cooking is all done by them too. All the participants enjoyed the delicious lunch.

In the afternoon, the participants moved from San Marina to Akatsuka using public transportation. Unfortunately it started raining heavily and by the time they got to Akatsuka, they were all soaked wet. But they are warmly welcomed by all the staff of Akatsuka.

Akatsuka is located in a center of a quiet residential area. It aims to promote employment of persons with mental disabilities through production and sales of confectionary such as cakes and cookies and also operation of cafe. Through these activities, the persons with mental disabilities can interact with people in a community. The second visit in the afternoon was Cosmos. It is also a facility which aims employment promotion of persons with mental disabilities. Cosmos operates a restaurant and also food delivery services. They prepare about 70 lunch boxes a day. As both Akatsuka and Cosmos provides social skill training an important part of their activities, such as communication skills, health control, daily living skills etc.

By the end of the visit, it stopped raining. The participants learned about how people with mental disabilities could live and work in a community with a support in a community.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0718.html

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Training Report : June 30, 2008 PM : Visit : Shinagawa Public Employment Security Office

Six participants took the subways and went to Roppongi where Sinagawa Public Employment Security Office was located.
Mr. Sato, Director of Employment Divistion first explained about PESO.
The role of PESO is not only to support persons with disabilities in looking for thier jobs but also to create new job opportuniries in open labor market.
Participants also learned about the relation between PESO and other related organizations and they could understand the importance of networking.
And then, each participant tried the search for job on computers. They were very surprised to know that they could find a job of any place in Japan at Shinagawa Public Employment Security Office.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0630pm.html

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Training Report : June 30, 2008 AM : Lecture: Current Situation of Employment of Persons with Disabilities in Japan

Mr. Masaya Asahi, lecturer for this morning, became sick and could not give a lecture. Six participants were so disappointed to know that.
They had no alternative, so Ms. Keiko Nakatani from JSRPD explained about the following topics by using a boolet “Supporting the Employment of Persons with Disabilities” published by JEED.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0630am.html

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July 28, 2008

Training Report : July 14, 2008 : How to Write Project Plan Ⅰ

The six participants are requested to write and submit Project Plan at the end of the training in Japan. Two and half days workshops are programmed for them to acquire skills of how to write a project plan and how to make an effective presentation. The workshops are given by Ms. Sarajean Rossitto, convener of NGO People for Social Change, and today was the first day with her.

Ms. Sarajean explained about 12 topics to be covered in their Project Plan one by one. Many simple examples were shown so that the participants could understand how to write each topic easily. She also introduced many discussions in pairs, and therefore the participants could get more ideas and learn from each other. All the participants brought their computers today, so they could start typing their Project Plan during the workshops.

Learning how to write Project Plan is a very useful skill as it can be used as a base for project proposals or grant proposals. For all the participants, it was the first time to write a project plan like this, but through the step by step explanation, they could get a hang of it. Now that the participants have ideas of what to write in their Project Plan, they are asked to write a draft plan and bring it to the next session with her on 24th July.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0714.html

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Training Report : June 27, 2008 PM : Process of Vocational Rehabilitation

Now that the participants understand the overall process of rehabilitation, in the afternoon, Mr. Yoshihiko NONAKA, another Planning Committee Members, gave a lecture on the Process of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Firstly Mr. Nonaka explained about 4 steps of vocational rehabilitation and main services. These four steps are (1) Counseling on Finding Employment, Vocational Assessment, (2) Preparation, Training for Work, (3) Employment Searching, Job Placement, (4) Work adjustment → Fruitful Life through Work.

Then he talked about the employment situation of persons with disabilities in Japan as well as the organizations/institutions which provide employment support to persons with disabilities. He introduced the Employment Quota System and the Levy and Grant System. In some of the participants' countries, they have quota systems but not levy and grant system. At the end Mr. Nonaka explained what process persons with disabilities take to get job placement. The participants now have clearer understanding of vocational rehabilitation.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0627.html

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Training Report : July 16 & 17, 2008 : Facilitator Skills

Second two days session with Mr. Ikezumi has come. This time, each participant had an opportunity to facilitate 30 minutes session. For the facilitation, they could choose any topics related to this course which they want to share or discuss with the group.

Some participants chose daily topics such as “shopping” or “laptop”, while others chose topics related to disabilities such as “how to use wheelchairs” or “what is disabilities.” Some participants introduced ice breaking exercises to start the session or to change the mood in the middle of the session.

After each session, the participants gave a lot of feedbacks to each other. These feedbaks helped each one to improve their facilitation in the future. After all facilitations, the participants wrote down on papers what messages were conveyed.

For all the participants, facilitator skills were something new, but after four days session with Mr. Ikezumi, they now have some idea. The participants could learn a lot of important things from Mr. Ikezumi and from each other.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0716.html

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Training Report : July 8, 2008 Morning: “Zao Suzushiro” Afternoon: “Kokoron”

In the morning the six participants observed the work site of Zao Suzushiro, where users with intellectual and mental disabilities make Tofu (Bean curd). Since good quality soy beans can be harvested in Zao region, Mr. Takeda decided to produce Tofu at his facility. Making Tofu is actually a hard work, however all the users have responsibility in each position and enjoy working together with fellow workers. JICA participants learned how to make Tofu and tasted fresh Tofu and understood why they can sell this Tofu well.

Six participants said good bye to “Zao Suzushiro” and left for Fukushima Prefecture by bus. All the participants admired the beautiful senery of rice paddy fields.

After two-hour drive, the participants arrived at “Kokoron” which is a Living Support Center for Persons with Mental Disabilities in Izumizaki Village. Ms. Yoshie Kumada, Director of “Kokoron” kindly cooked lunch for them. All the JICA participants enjoyed curry and salad.

Then they took part in the peer counseling session. Users shared their experiences and there they could express their emotions or feelings without worrying about the reaction of other people.

Mr. AkihikoTasaki, one of staff members of Kokoron, gave them a brief outline of Kokoron by using Power Point material.

In the evening, Kokoron staff and users kindly hold a welcoming party for the participants. Staff and members of Samegawa Tampopo-no-ie, which they were programed to visit next day, came all the way to join this party by driving nearly one hour. The participants very much enjoy the party and they were touched with the warm heart and the hospitality of people in Izumizaki and Samegawa.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0708.html

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July 23, 2008

Training Report : July 7, 2008 : Regional Visit Day 1

Lecture by Mr. Hajime TAKEDA,
Chairperson of the Board of Directors,
Social Welfare Corporation “Harakara Welfare Association”

One week regional training was programed in Miyagi and Fukushima Prefectures, northeastan area of Japan.
Mr. Yoshihiko NONAKA, one of Planning Committee Members, is from Fukushima Prefecture. As he was familiar with the region, he gave a lot of valuable advices on the arrangement of this regional programs, and then he also accompanied the participants throughout this week.

Six participants took Shinkansen (Bullet train) for Shiraishi Zao in Miyagi Prefecture. It seemed the compartment No. 6 was occupied by JICA group.
They all enjoy two-hours private train trip.

After arriving at Shiraishi Zao, they took a bus to “Zao Suzushiro” (Suzushiro means Japanese white radish) to have a lecture by Mr. Hajime Takeda, founder of Harakara Social Welfare Corporation.
Harakara consists of eight main facilities and two branch facilities, and runs nine group homes (eight of which also function as care homes).
Total number of the users are 260.

Harakara is conducted under the following three philosophies.

1) Everyone is the same human being, whether he/she has disabilities or not, and whether the disabilities are severe or mild.

2) In order to realize an ordinary life in the local community, we aim to secure the monthly income of JPY150, 000 including the pension.

3) To work means to share a social responsibility, therefore, the challenging job should be secured.

All the participants were impressed to know Mr. Takeda's strong will which to secure the minimum wage JPY 75,000 for all the users.

Before going back to the hotel, they had a chance to visit a care home for persons with intellectual disabilities and six JICA participants witnessed users of Harakara enjoy independent life at the care home.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0707.html

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Training Report : July 4, 2008 : Job Report Presentation

In this training course, the participants are asked to write three reports:
Job Report, Project Plan, and Progress Report. Today the participants presented their first report, Job Report.

The venue was at the Waseda University's International Community Center (ICC). Waseda University is one of the most well-known Japanese universities with high reputation and the participants had a great opportunity to visit there today.

Job Report used to be called Inception Report but the name changed this year to Job Report. The participants gave a presentation focusing on their job in their home countries. Please click the below to see their presentation materials.

In the morning

Presentation 1: Participant from Bangladesh
Presentation 2: Participant from China

In the afternoon

Presentation 3: Participant from Fiji
Presentation 4: Participant from Laos
Presentation 5: Participant from Nepal
Presentation 6: Participant from Vietnam

Today's program was organized in collaboration with the ICC, which was this year's new attempt. Many student volunteers were involved in the program, making posters, advertising the program, setting up the presentation stage, taking a role as masters of ceremony, assisting the participants at lunch time, etc. Thanks to the ICC’s cooperation, there were a number of students and other audience attending the presentation today. During the lunch time and at coffee break, the participants enjoyed interacting and exchanging information with students.

A number of NGO workers, who were interested in disability and development issues, were also present among the audience and they raised a lot of questions and comments. The participants also asked some questions to each other. After all the presentations, Mr. Akira Terashima, one of the Planning Committee Members, gave comments to each one of presentations.

For today's program, JICA provided Japanese and English interpreters as not all Japanese audience understood English. This also made it possible to allocate Japanese sign language interpreters and note-takers by computer to guarantee information accessibility for all. The presentation went successful and we appreciate the contribution of everyone involved in preparation of today's program.

From the presentations, the participants and the Japanese related personals could understand what each participant does at their work and also as the employment situation of persons with disabilities in their country. At the end, the participants took a group photo with audience and student volunteers.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0704.html

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July 16, 2008

Training Report : July 3, 2008, PM Visit to Isetan Soleil

Disability is Power !

In the afternoon, the participants visited Isetan Soleil, Co., Ltd., a special subsidiary of Isetan Co., Ltd. which runs one of the most famous department stores in Japan, Isetan. On its way, the participants passed by Isetan department store in Shinjuku and observed from outside how big and popular it is.

As the participants arrived at the company, Mr. Shioden, President of Isetan Soleil, came out to the entrance to welcome them with his warm smile. Firstly, the participants watched a video of a program broadcasted by a big TV company which took up the employment promotion of persons with disabilities at Isetan Soleil. Then they visited the workplace where employees with intellectual and mental disabilities are working.

As entering the workplace, the participants could feel that all employees were very much concentrating on their own tasks. Everyone was preceding his/her duties steadily and diligently. At Isetan Soleil, 26 employees with disabilities are working together with three employees without disabilities who also act as job coaches. There are more than 80 kinds of works done at Isetan Soleil, Mr. Shioden explained. They are supplementary tasks which used to be done by sales staff at a shop in Isetan Department Store such as folding wrapping papers, making gift bags, sorting credit card sales slips etc.

The participants could also observe various devices created by job coaches and used by employees with disabilities to produce the same products. For example, a paper mould which has a cut in a shape of a gift sticker indicates where the sticker should be pasted and thus anyone can paste a sticker on a gift bag easily and accurately. The participants tried some tasks which looked easy, but they felt to do it accurately and repeatedly was not as easy as it looked.

After the observation of workplace, President Mr. Shioden gave lecture about the company and their efforts in employing persons with disabilities. The participants could learn that if the environment is appropriately arranged and the appropriate jobs are provided, persons with intellectual or mental disabilities can also work. Some participants commented that in their counties employment of persons with intellectual disabilities are not considered and they were surprised to see today that persons with intellectual disabilities could be a strong workforce.

From today's two visits to Swan Bakery and Isetan Soleil, the participants could learn a lot from how those private companies have strived for employing persons with disabilities not as charity or welfare but as business.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0703pm.html

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Training Report : July 3, 2008, AM : Visit to Swan Bakery

Today the participants had an opportunity to visit two special subsidiaries of famous Japanese companies in different industries.

In the morning, the participants visited “Swan Bakery Akasaka Shop” of Swan Co., Ltd. Swan Co., Ltd. is a special subsidiary of Yamato Holding Co., Ltd., one of the leading companies in the fields of its delivery, logistics etc.

Mr. Ayumu Kaizu, President of Swan Co., Ltd. explained about the company's efforts to employ persons with disabilities. The participants could learn a lot of clues for working with persons with disabilities from him; for example, there is no limit in the abilities of persons with disabilities; arrange the work environment and people can work; motivation is the best management resource etc.

Then the participants visited the bakery shop to observe how people with disabilities work. The participants could not distinguish employees with disabilities and without disabilities. One of staff with intellectual disabilities demonstrated Latte Art, which is a drawing on top of coffee with whipped milk. The participants got excited to see how beautifully done it was.

At Swan Bakery Akasaka Shop 50 different kinds of breads (1500 breads in total) are baked everyday. The participants witnessed how popular and busy the shop is, as at lunch time there was a very long queue of customers. They kindly prepared lunch box of three different breads for the participants and the participants could taste how delicious they are!

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0703am.html

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July 14, 2008

Training Report : July 2, 2008 : Community Visit

Prof. Yoshimichi Ogawa, Planning Committee Member, organized today's visit to 3 homes of persons with severe disabilities in Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture.

In the morning, the participants visited a home of a person who has quadriplegia due to cervical injury. She lives in a barrier-free flat of a public housing provided by Atsugi City, with her husband and a daughter. She uses personal assistance throughout a day, including volunteers of university students at night time. She told to the participants that she had to negotiate many times with the City Hall in order to obtain the services and conditions which she has now. The participants were impressed with her strong spirits.

Then the participants visited the Comprehensive Welfare Center of Atsugi City to have lunch at a restaurant “Donguri (acorn)” where persons with disabilities are working. They also quickly visited a consultation room located in the same building, where consultation services for all three types of disabilities ? physical, intellectual, and mental ? are conveniently provided in one location for the citizens of Atsugi City and some neighboring municipalities.

In the afternoon, the participants had an opportunity to visit a home of a person who has quadriplegia due to car accident and to learn about the “employment at home.” He is an employee of a special subsidiary of a famous company in the employment service industry in Japan. In stead of commuting to an office, he works at home using a computer. He explained both merits and demerits of working at home, and he emphasized how important “to work” is for him.

Lastly the participants visited a dream house. It's a barrier-free house designed by a couple with disabilities. The participants were amazed with various assistive devices and automated equipment. Participant from Laos tried an electric lift to transfer from a bed to toilet and then to a bathroom. Afterwards, he smiled and commented “it was rather comfortable.”

Before visiting this house, the participants had an opportunity to make a short visit to a community workshop where the husband works as a director and observe how people with disabilities work in a community.

From today's community visit, the participants could understand that even persons with severe disabilities can live independently in a community.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0702.html

Posted by jicafriends at 04:53 PM | Comments (0)

July 09, 2008

Training Report : June 28-29, 2008 Home Stay

Discover the Japanese Lifestyle !

This weekend the participants enjoyed staying at homes of Japanese family, discovering what Japanese people’s life is like.

Each participant stayed at a different host family, so on the way to meet the family, the participants had felt excited but at the same time a little bit nervous.

But to meet the welcoming smiles of their host families, such worries disappeared. Their host families welcomed the participants, bringing handmade “welcome” signs or a board with participants' name on.

Just overnight stay was a short time. But now the participants have their second family in Japan. Thank you to Japanese families for your hospitality !

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0628.html

Posted by jicafriends at 01:08 PM | Comments (0)

July 03, 2008

Training Report : June 25 & 26, 2008　Participatory Workshop: Facilitator Skills

Mr. Ikezumi YOSHINORI is a famous facilitator known for his participatory approach. He has worked as an NGO worker internationally including many of Asian countries which the participants are from.

There are four days with him during the training in Japan and we had the first two days. Everyone in the room was encouraged to give opinions and comments freely.

Using the simple materials and exercises, Mr. Ikezumi conveyed ideas and messages to the participants. Through discussion and exchange of ideas, the participants could learn about many key points in facilitation skills.

At the end of the two days session, some participants commented that they gained a new understanding on the disability, new approach to communicate with people, and even a new philosophy of life.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0625.html

Posted by jicafriends at 01:06 PM | Comments (1)

Training Report : June 24, 2008 : Visit : National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities...

The first observation trip

Six participants visited a huge rehabilitation site, where you can find Rehabilitation Hospital, Rehabilitation Center including training for daily living activities, and Vocational Rehabilitation Center.

In the morning, the six participants observed comprehensive rehabilitation services at the National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities. First they toured the employment promotion service section which helps trainees get jobs at open labor market, such as basic pre-work, laundry work, office work, worksite trainings. They can acquire basic skills for employment. And then the participants moved to the facility for the training for independent living. All participants were surprised to see the realistic setting for the training. Everyone couldn’t believe fishes, fruits, vegetables and other goods arranged in order are not real, but they are imitations! Weight of each good is carefully checked and it is made as the same weight as a real one to learn the actual work situation.

Just before lunch, the participants observed the prosthesis and orthosis. Can you tell which is a real hand and which is an artificial hand?

After the lunch, the participants visited the National Vocational Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities and firstly they watched an introductory video of the center. Then they toured the center to observe various vocational training programs offered at the center, inluding training course in Hotel Service for persons with intellectual disabilities.

The participants also visited the rehabilitation hospital and observed barrier-free bathroom, actually experiencing different kinds of toilets, how to use bath-board etc.

Before finishing today's program, they returned to the Rehabilitation Hospital to observe physical therapy and occupational therapy section. The participants also observed the bathroom and toilet, actually experiencing different kinds of toilets, how to use bath-board etc.

Today was a long day but the participants could have a overall observation of the rehabilitation services given at the national level.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0624.html

Posted by jicafriends at 01:03 PM | Comments (0)

Training Report : June 23, 2008 PM : Welfare Services for Persons with Disabilities in Japan

The first lecture was given at the Ministry of Labor, Health.

It was about the Welfare Services for Persons with Disabilities in Japan, given by Mr. Takao CHINONE, Special Advisor, in the field of welfare for persons with disabilities.

Mr. Chinone gave a comprehensive explanation on the topic, including historical development of welfare services for persons with disabilities, definition of disabilities, reform of health and welfare policies and measures for persons with disabilities, assistive devices, income security, measures related education and so on. Thus participants could gain an overall understanding of the welfare services for persons with disabilities in Japan.

On the way to the Ministry, the participants passed by the National Diet of Japan.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0623pm.html

Posted by jicafriends at 12:33 PM | Comments (0)

June 26, 2008

Training Report : June 23, 2008 AM Program Orientation

Welcome to Japan!

Six participants from the following six countries - Bangladesh, China, Fiji, Laos, Nepal, and Vietnam - arrived on June 17.

Today, the training program started.

In the morning, Mr. Masaya ASAHI, Course Leader and Planning Committee Member, explained about the course, giving the outline of the training program.

Two more out of five planning committee members were present too; Mr. Akira TERASHIMA and Mr. Yoshimichi OGAWA. The participants will receive lectures from the planning committee members during the course.

Each participant introduced himself/herself in turn and also stated their expectation for the coming up training. We could see that the participants were all highly motivated to learn from Japan and from each other.

Let's Explore, Encounter and Change with jicafriends!

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2008/training/v0623am.html

Posted by jicafriends at 12:16 PM | Comments (0)

December 12, 2007

TRAINING REPORT : Lecture : JICA Volunteers

November 15, 2007 :
Lecture : JICA Volunteers

Since a program on “JICA Volunteers” was introduced in this training many former participants are now interested in requesting JICA volunteers to their organizations.

Actually a former participant of Leaders Course 2004 requested a junior volunteer in the field of community development and now the volunteer was dispatched to his organization to work with persons with disabilities in Ghana.

Today Ms. Hiroko Irumata came to explain about JICA volunteers to ten participants. She showed the data related to JICA volunteers working in their respective countries. As the same as previous years, most of the participants of this year did not know about JICA volunteers. Now they know what kinds of professions and skills JICA volunteers can transfer to their countries and the procedure from request to dispatch.

People is a resource. Build a network between former JICA participants and JICA resources, and their respective activities can be improved. Let's all work together for better quality of life of persons with disabilities in the world!

http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2007/training/l1115.html

Posted by jicafriends at 01:04 AM | Comments (0)

TRAINING REPORT : Presentation Ceremony

November 9, 2007:
Presentation Ceremony

Right after participants arrive at JICA Tokyo, the secretariat interview the participants and one of the questions is related to a wheelchair. We ask each participant if he/she would like to bring a used wheelchair back to his/her home country.

This year all the participants who use wheelchairs or need wheelchairs whenthey travel long distance answered “yes!”.

The secretariat dialed Friendly Life Community (FLC) to ask for collection of seven used wheelchairs and then students of Kanagawa Institute of Technology, who belong to Wheelchair Repair Circle (KWR), fixed and conditioned them. Both FLC and KWR are located in Zama City which is about one and half hour drive away from JICA Tokyo.

After the lecture a presentation ceremony was organized to hand over seven wheelchairs to the participants. Mr. Shotaro YAMAGUCHI from FLC and three students from KWR had to use two cars to bring seven wheelchairs to JICA Tokyo. They even rented one car for it.!

There are many countries, where majority of people have never seen a wheelchair. In such situation, people who have mobility difficulty are forced to stay in a house without receiving proper education or any other opportunities to participante in a society. The participants will bring back a wheelchair not for their own use but for other people in need of wheelchair. These wheelchairs given today will go over the oceans and will change the life of persons with disabilities in other countries.

Special thanks to Friendly Life Community and Kanagawa Institute of Technology!

http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2007/training/l110902.html

Posted by jicafriends at 12:00 AM | Comments (0)

December 06, 2007

TRAINING REPORT : Presentation : Action Plan

November 14, 2007 :
Presentation : Action Plan

Today ten participants presented their Action Plan. Each participant had 30 minutes for their presentation (5 minutes for preparation, 15 minutes for presentation, 10 minutes for Q&A). They explained what they learned from the training program in Japan and what they were planning to do upon their return to their countries.

Among the audience were three people from the Nippon Foundation and Mr. Miyamoto from DPI-Japan and they gave the participants many feedbacks. Also three planning committee members, three JICA officers, two JICE coordinators and three JSRPD staff were present. Mr. Yamaguchi, planning committee member, who unfortunately could not participate today had sent his comments and we also shared them after all the presentations.

The following is the title of each Action Plan. Please click the title to read the full text.

The Japanese side could understand what the participants learned from this training and how it helped them create a plan for their future activities.

However it is certain that the impacts of this training is more than what they presented in short time today. We wish them all the best in their future activities to improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities in their home country.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2007/training/l1114.html

Posted by jicafriends at 04:55 PM | Comments (0)

TRAINING REPORT : Workshop : Final Check of Action Plan

November 13, 2007 :
Workshop : Final Check of Action Plan

By Ms. Sarajean ROSSITTO

This was the third and last day with Ms. Sarajean Rossitto and also it was one day before the Action Plan Presentation.

Firstly the participants worked in pairs to check their presentation outlines and give feedbacks to each other. Then they had a presentation practice in front of the group. Just like the real situation, each presenter had 15 minutes and the time was noticed three minutes before and also when the time was up. Some finished before the time and others could not finish within the time. The rest of the participants checked whether all items were covered in a presentation and also gave comments on good points and points to be improved. Ms. Rossitto reviewed their written drafts and gave comments to each. All the feedbacks were valuable and useful as they could make improvements to their action plan.

In this afternoon the participants worked individually to complete their action plan and prepare for the presentation tomorrow.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2007/training/l1113.html

Posted by jicafriends at 04:50 PM | Comments (0)

TRAINING REPORT : Visit to Yamano College of Aesthetics and Lecture on “Aesthetics and Welfare for Persons with Disabilities”

November 10, 2007 :
Visit :
Yamano College of Aesthetics
Lecture :
“Aesthetics and Welfare for Persons with Disabilities”

Yamano College of Aesthetics is unique in combining the aspects of aesthetics and welfare, with its aim to improve the quality of life of all people through cosmetology. The college offers a course which prepares students for both national hairstylist's license and national welfare worker's license.

Last year this program was unofficial and on a smaller scale, being held in JICA Tokyo. Recognizing the importance of the theme and also the distinguished characteristics of the college, this year it became an official program and the participants visited the campus of Yamano College to study more comprehensively as the following schedule.

Ms. Jane Aiko Yamano is one of the leading figures in aesthetics in Japan.
The participants got excited from the beginning of the day to see her demonstration show of quick change of so many costumes from a Japanese traditional wedding dress till a western style wedding dress.

After the lunch, the participants had a college tour and observed the classrooms equipped for practical study on various aspects of welfare. For example there was a classroom with various types of bath equippment so that the students can learn how to assist elderly people or persons with disability to have a bath. There was also a classroom with kitchen facilities. The students of Biyo Fukushi (Beauty and Welfare) Course learn about cooking related matters, which are necessary in order to work as welfare workers.

After the tour, Ms. Watanabe, director of Biyo Fukushi (Beauty and Welfare) Course, explained about the college and talked about relation of welfare and beauty. The participants could understand the effects of aesthetic on people's mind and body.

Today the participants could also experience Kimono and tea ceremony and enjoyed learning about Japanese traditional culture. Although it was a rainy, the day became a unforgettable memory for the participants.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2007/training/l1110.html

Posted by jicafriends at 04:46 PM | Comments (0)

December 02, 2007

TRAINING REPORT : NGO Management

November 7, 2007 :
Lecture :
NGO Management (including fund raising)

Today, the participants learned about Organizational Management lectured by Ms. Yoko Asakawa.
She is one of the founding members of JEN (Japan Emergency NGOs) and she has been engaged in the realm of emergency assistance as well as JEN's organizational development since its establishment in 1994.
JEN is a NPO which aims to support reconstruction of the life which was lost after war or disaster.
She explained major issues of organizational management using her own experiences, especially difficulties that she faced in the process of JEN's development.

She said that it is important to consider both merits and demerits of being different sizes of organization, keeping in mind its mission to achieve. The participants understood that a bigger organization is not always good.
She also illustrated stages of organizational growth and it was easy to see in which stage one's organization stands.
Attractive slogan is another important factor of organizational management.
It appeals to the donors and makes people understand easily why the organization exist.
So the participants made their own slogans of their organizations and compared which are more attactive.

Different types of staff are needed to manage an organization.
The participants showed a strong interest in how to work with unpaid staff and volunteers.
She also mentioned about the importance of accounting. Keeping financial records and receipts, price comparison, and checking cash balance are essential duties.

Fundraising is the most difficult issue.
Ms. Asakawa said that an important point was to get continuous donations.
The key of asking for donation is starting from a small amount, after the success of one project increase it gradually.
She introduced a lot of practical tactics.

In the lecture, the participants also shared their experiences and gave comments to each other.
Ms. Asakawa commented that both successful and unsuccessful case studies are significant to figure out and avoid future problems.
All participants were eagerly attentive and understood well about key components of organizational management.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2007/training/l1107.html

Posted by jicafriends at 11:50 PM | Comments (0)

TRAINING REPORT : Importance of Political Participation of Persons with Disabilities

November 9, 2007 :
Lecture :
Importance of Political Participation of Persons with Disabilities
Mr. Eita YASHIRO, former member of the House of Representatives
Visit : Diet Building

Today the participants visited one of the Members' Office Buildings of the House of Representative to receive a lecture on the importance of political participation of persons with disabilities.

The lecturer, Mr. Eita Yashiro, is the first person with disabilities elected as a national diet member of Japan in 1977. “Send a Wheelchair to the Diet!” was his campaign slogan. He made the Diet building accessible.
In 1999 he was appointed to the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications.

Mr. Yashiro introduced the ideal of normalization and also talked about the necessity of political participation of persons with disabilities in the local government as well as at a national level. Three participants got inspired to become a politician by Mr. Yashiro. We finished by singing “You Are My Sunshine” all together.

In the afternoon they visited the Diet Building and observed how it became accessible.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2007/training/l1109.html

Posted by jicafriends at 11:23 PM | Comments (0)

TRAINING REPORT : How to Write Action Plan Ⅱ and Presentation Skill

November 8, 2007 :
Workshop : How to Write Action Plan Ⅱ and Presentation Skill

By Ms. Sarajean ROSSITTO

Today was the second day with Ms. Rossitto. Although the participants had only one week to write their action plan, they managed to bring their drafts for its revision. They worked in pairs to check whether all the items were included and could find some missing parts to be improved. With Ms. Rossitto, they were encouraged to work in pairs or small groups and give advices and suggestions to each other, learning mutually.

Then Ms. Rossitto demonstrated an example of a bad presentation and the participants pointed out many “Do's” and “Don'ts.” They also learned how to write the outline of their action plan, as in their presentation they would not be able to read out the full text. The participants practiced in pairs to explain the outline of their action plan in a fixed time and by doing so they could also practice making a presentation.

Today the participants clarified any parts that they were not sure about the writing process and also learned presentation skills. They showed concentration and worked hard. It was a tough day but they were now more prepared for their presentation.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2007/training/l1108.html

Posted by jicafriends at 10:28 PM | Comments (0)

TRAINING REPORT : Partnership of Government, International Community, NGO and PWD-Experiences in Lao PDR

November 12, 2007 :
Lecture :
Partnership of Government, International Community, NGO and PWD-Experiences in Lao PDR

By Mr. Shintaro NAKAMURA,
Former policy advisor to Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Lao PDR (JICA Long-term Expert)

Mr. Nakamura has just come back from Lao PDR this August after finishing a three-year contract with JICA.

He explained ten participants about his activities there which ranged from development of a long-term labour and social welfare plan to support for grass-root projects by young persons with disabilities.

His experiences in Lao PDR showed themthe importance of cooperative network between GO and selp-help organizations..

“Disability rights seminar and radio listening club” and “IT workshop for the visually impaired” were successfully done by persons with disabilities themselves under the cooperation of GO and international community.

At the end Mr. Nakamura gave them the following key factors to implement projects successfully.

* Act as a team, not individually
* Initiatives from PWD
* Start with a small step
* Make use of your competitive advantage
* Aggressively seek information about support schemes of government, NGO and international community
* Find collaborators in the government
* Transparency and accountability

Not only his lecture but also his big smiles empowered ten participants.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2007/training/l1112.html

Posted by jicafriends at 09:38 PM | Comments (0)

TRAINING REPORT : World Disability Movements - till the Adoption of the Convention

November 5, 2007 :
Lecture :
World Disability Movements - till the Adoption of the Convention

By Mr. Yutaka TAKAMINE,
Professor, Faculty of Law and Letters, University of the Ryukyus

Today's lecture is on the World Disability Movement and the lecturer is Mr. Takamine who used to work for UN ESCAP. His comprehensive lecture covered such topics as Globalization of the disability movement, UN Decade of PWDs (1983-1992), Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons (1993-2002), other regional decades, Convention on the rights of PWDs, and Emerging issues.

The participants watched a video on APCD (Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability) which aims to promote the empowerment of people with disabilities and a barrier-free society in developing countries in the Asia and Pacific Region. Mr. Takamine talked about the importance of including disability issues in development.

Some participants were shocked to realize that they did not know much of what was happening in the world. Before finishing the lecture, he encouraged the participants by saying “The world is moving ! It is time for working on disability issues and resources are there!”

http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2007/training/l1105.html

Posted by jicafriends at 09:01 PM | Comments (0)

TRAINING REPORT : Discussion on Peace and Disability

October 26, 2007 :
Discussion on Peace and Disability

Mr. Yamaguchi, one of the planning committee members, had been accompanying the participants to this regional training. This morning he facilitated a discussion on peace and disability.

As a reference material for today's discussion, Mr. Yamaguchi had distributed a document called “WORLD PEACE - THROUGH THE EXPERIENCES OF A PERSON WITH DISABILITY.”
Thjs was written by a blind person from Sri Lanka and contained some clues for discussing world peace from the perspectives of persons with disabilities.

The participants reflected on what they learned from Hiroshima's experience and firstly they shared their impression of Hibakusha. Many participants stated that their countries had experienced wars or conflicts and that a conflict is one of the causes of disabilities. Some participants were surprised to hear from a Costa Rican participant that his country had been peaceful for many years and they even do not have military by the constitution.
In this opportunity, the participants could consider what they could do for peace in their community.

This afternoon the participants came back to Tokyo by Shinkansen (bullet train).

http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2007/training/l1026.html

Posted by jicafriends at 07:50 PM | Comments (0)

TRAINING REPORT : Accessible Tourism: Miyajima

October 25, 2007 PM :
Accessible Tourism: Miyajima
(UNESCO World Cultural Heritage)

Miyajima (literally “shrine island”) is a famous tourism attraction, being one of Japan's three most scenic views and also designated as UNESCO world cultural heritage. Miyajima is most famous for Itsukushima Shrine, which, together with its large wooden torii (gate), stands in the ocean during high tide.

This afternoon the participants visited Miyajima to learn about the accessible tourism. Everyone has a right to travel and go to places. The participants checked that the route was all accessible from the ferry pier, the ferry, streets, shops, till the building of shrine. The accessible tourism, attracting a wider range of tourists, could have an economic impact and in many of the participants' countries the tourism is an important source of income and today the participants could experience the importance of accessibility in tourism.

When we returned to the hotel, we took a photo with two bus drivers who have been accompanying us everyday. We hired two accessible buses for this one week regional training and it was the last night in Hiroshima. Thanks to them, we could smoothly conduct the training.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2007/training/l102502.html

Posted by jicafriends at 07:18 PM | Comments (0)

November 30, 2007

TRAINING REPORT : Hiroshima Prefectural Hatsukaichi School for Special Needs Education

October 25, 2007 AM :
Visit : Hiroshima Prefectural Hatsukaichi School for Special Needs Education

This morning we visited Hiroshima Prefectural Hatsukaichi School for Special Needs Education. After a introductory speech by Mr. Kanda, school principal, Mr. Takeshima, vice principal, explained about the school.

This school consists of elementary school, junior high school, and high school departments. The participants learned about school management, educational objectives of each department, curriculum and daily schedule.

Then, the participants went around and observed the school. They were surprised to see attention and consideration given to each student according to his or her disability.

http://www.jicafriends.jp/leaders/gi2007/training/l102501.html

Posted by jicafriends at 04:59 PM | Comments (0)

TRAINING REPORT : Hiroshima Prefectural Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Physical Disabilities

October 24, 2007 PM :
Visit : H