June 5, 2007:
"Local Visit (Day 2)
Training Report - Vocational Rehabilitation Course 2007
In the morning we visited Oita Prefectural Office again to have lecture on governmental efforts toward hosting the 8th National Sports Festival for the Disabled in Oita 2008, which will be held from October 11 to 13, 2008 under the slogan of "In Oita, may smiles and vitality be delivered to all, with or without disabilities, and may Oita be a new starting point for all to create the future together." Mr. Yotsutani, who is in charge of games and venues explained about preparation procedure. JICA participants were amazed to know that so many people with or without disabilities will be involved in this festival.
At lunch time we could watch our news on TV by chance. It was very strange feeling to see us on TV. Are we famous in Oita?
In the afternoon ten participants visited Oita prefectural special school for children with disabilities. It was established in 1954 and is the largest special school in Oita. They observed "work learning" in the senior high school. It aims at developing a sense among students that they become members of society in the future. To that end, the teaching is organized to impart practical knowledge and skills to work, develop a positive attitude required for working, a sense of responsibility, and an attitude of cooperation. In specifics, students are taught basic behaviors/attitudes such as dress codes, time management, greeting, preparation and cleaning.
The school provides various kinds of vocational training such as woodwork, agriculture, pottery
making, light work, handicraft, information technology.
Each student can choose their training, however they are not allow to change the subject for a
year. This is also a part of work learning.
JICA participants could ask questions and exchange opinions with principal, vice principal and teachers before they left the school.
