July 7, 2008 : Regional Visit Day 1
Lecture by Chairperson of the Board of Directors,
Social Welfare Corporation “Harakara Welfare Association”
Training Report - Vocational Rehabilitation Course 2008
One week regional training was programed in Miyagi and Fukushima Prefectures, northeastan area of
Japan.
One of Planning Committee Members, is from Fukushima Prefecture. As he was familiar with the
region, he gave a lot of valuable advices on the arrangement of this regional programs, and then he
also accompanied the participants throughout this week.
Six participants took Shinkansen (Bullet train) for Shiraishi Zao in Miyagi Prefecture. It seemed
the compartment No. 6 was occupied by JICA group.
They all enjoy two-hours private train trip.
After arriving at Shiraishi Zao, they took a bus to “Zao Suzushiro” (Suzushiro
means Japanese white radish) to have a lecture by founder of Harakara Social Welfare Corporation.
Harakara consists of eight main facilities and two branch facilities, and runs nine group homes
(eight of which also function as care homes).
Total number of the users are 260.
Harakara is conducted under the following three philosophies.
- Everyone is the same human being, whether he/she has disabilities or not, and whether the disabilities are severe or mild.
- In order to realize an ordinary life in the local community, we aim to secure the monthly income of JPY150, 000 including the pension.
- To work means to share a social responsibility, therefore, the challenging job should be secured.
All the participants were impressed to know Mr. Takeda's strong will which to secure the minimum wage JPY 75,000 for all the users.
Before going back to the hotel, they had a chance to visit a care home for persons with intellectual disabilities and six JICA participants witnessed users of Harakara enjoy independent life at the care home.
