October 29, 2009: Workshop: Human Rights and Advocacy
Training Report - Leadership Development Course
This workshop was originally developed by a group under the leadership of Nancy Fitzsimons-Cova, Assistant Professor, Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois at Chicago, in the United States. Protection & Advocacy Japan (PAJ) introduced this program to Japan. And the Human Rights Committee of the Japan Council on Independent Living Centers modified it for persons with disabilities under the supervision of PAJ.
Members of the Human Rights Committee modified it again for JICA Leadership Development Program of Persons with Disabilities. And it has been included in the training program since 2007.
Today was the first day of two-day workshops, nine participants learned “What is Abuse, ” “Why is it difficult to stand against abuse,” and “Empower the diminished mind. In this way, you can stand against abuse.”
We often use the words, “Human Rights” and “Advocacy.” However we sometimes do not notice when we are abused, neglected or discriminated. So Three facilitators explained those situations by using role-plays.
“Human Rights and Advocacy” workshop began with a song “Kono Machiga Sukisa (I like this town)” and it is often used as a theme song for this workshop.
All participants love this song. Especially they love to sing it in Japanese!
[Japanese]
Kono machiga sukisa
Kimiga irukara
Kono machiga sukisa
Kimino hohoemi arukara
[English]
You know I love this town
Because (name) is here
You know I love this town
‘Cause (name)’s smile is here
