November 17, 2006
Speech by the Colombian participant
Speech by the Colombian participant :
Dear Friends of Japan :
It's very hard to express in few words all the feelings and wonderful moments we have experienced last weeks.
There have been so many important persons lessons, jokes, presents, trips... that trying to summarize in one sentence would be impossible.
Since very long time ago I deeply wanted to visit Asia, and specially Japan; because there were many appealing things here that now I know... and I like them a lot.
... So... being here for me is a dream come true, maybe that's why I enjoyed a lot every single day.
We are so thankful with JICA and Japanese people for all they gave us and for so much kindness. Definitely, Japanese kindness always goes one step further than any of us can imagine.
I think that say "thank you" one million times wouldn't be enough; so... instead of that, I am going to make a promise... (and here I am sure to be expressing the feelings of my classmates). It is a promise of love. Love to Japan and its people :
From this day forward I appoint myself as "non-official Japan Ambassador in Colombia"
(No salary, don't worry!)
And not only in my country but anywhere I go; I would be promoter of Japan, its people and the captivating experience of being here. Every chance I'd have to share what I learnt here, I'll do it.
To finish, on behalf of Colombia and the participants of "Leadership development of persons with disabilities" course, I want to thank JICA, JSRPD, JICE, Committee members, Volunteers and any other Institution or person I may forget, for planning and give us the opportunity to take this excellent training program... and special thanks to Mr. "Bueno" for being our latin friend in Japan, to Babita San and Keiko San for working so hard for us, to Hatakenaka San, Sadaie San and Masako San for supervising everything and to our lovely coordinators: Yuki San and Yasuko San for the countless favors, reminders, explanations, translations... etc. Congratulations for such an excellent job.
We are in love with Japan!
Thank you.
FABIO PADILLA
Colombia
