October 30, 2009: Workshop: Human Rights and Advocacy
Training Report - Leadership Development Course
Today was the second day of two-day workshops.
And of course it began with the song “Kono Machiga Sukisa (I like this
town).”
All participants already remember the song and sang it all together.
In the morning nine participants had opportunities to think about “medical model and social model,” “what is disability,” and “who are persons with disabilities.”
We are human beings!
Therefore, we have human rights!!
Facilitators' strong massages reached nine participants. And experiences, opinions, and comments
were actively exchanged among participants.
In the afternoon, all participants together with three facilitators went to Hibiya Park, which is located in front of Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, to observe the “October 30 Forum. ” More than 20,000 people from all over Japan gathered to call for the abolition of the Law for supporting independence of persons with disabilities.
Nine participants were impressed by not only the number of persons with disabilities but also the
fervor of audiences. Persons with severe disabilities took part in the forum and raised their voices.
Yes, “nothing about us without us!”
After returning to JICA Tokyo they did feed back and overview of two-day workshops and closed the
workshop with the theme song.
[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
