October 26, 2006
JICA-net Conference Go back to Global Navigation

JICA-net Conference gives the participants an opportunity to learn the firsthand experiences of former participants who have already utilized their learning in Japan in their home countries and have been actively worked as a leader with disabilities.

JICA-net Carlos, his wife and Angelica

Last year we invited two former participants from Fiji and the Philippines and had a meaningful conference by using satellite. This year we asked Mr. Carlos Kaiser from Chile, a participant of Leaders' course 2003, to be a guest speaker for JICA-net conference

Mr. Kaiser established the first center of Independent Living in Chile as he planned in his Action Plan. This March Ms. Michele Bachelete, the new president of Chile appointed him as the National Director of the National Found of Disabilities' Issues (this is the government agency of disabilities) and now he has become one of the prominent leaders with disabilities.

From Latin brothers Question from Participant

Through the screen we could recognize the face of Carlos and his wife. He had also asked Ms. Angelica Romeo, a former participant of Leaders' course 2000, to attend the conference. She is an active blind lady and gave all participants her frank opinions from a perspective of a person with visual impairment.

Participants asked questions such as "how to approach to the government", "how Carlos got his government officials to implement policies for persons with disabilities", "how to include persons with severe disabilities", "how to organize the barrier-free tourism for persons with visual impairments in Chile" etc.

Relay to Chile Very impressed

Carlos left us with the following key words.

  • Have cross disability efforts
  • Work as a team.
  • Build a Good network with mass media or mass communication.
  • Appeal to society and authority by conducting peaceful demonstration.
  • Make good impact and good change to society
  • Live as a responsible member of society, not as a passive person who only receive.

Seven participants were very impressed and moved to see how Carlos and Angelica have realized their dreams and work as leaders in their country.

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