Public report session on "Comprehensive support project for the independence of multicultural families" ends in success

The current situation is that multicultural families are becoming impoverished. APFS has worked with Takashimadaira ACT to propose a program that allows multicultural families to develop their careers and improve their skills, and has been working on the above project with the aim of enabling them to live independent lives in the future. We have provided legal, lifestyle and welfare consultations, basic Japanese language support, and vocational training for career development for the foreign members of multicultural families and women in multicultural families.
　
As a career training for career development, we created a system where women from multicultural families can take the "Initial Care Worker Training" course while receiving Japanese language support. Four people have taken the training.

A public report session on the above project was held from 14:00 to 17:00 on Sunday, February 22, 2015. With the support of the Rikkyo University Global Urban Research Institute, the session was held in the multipurpose hall on the 3rd floor of the Tachikawa Memorial Hall on the Rikkyo University Ikebukuro Campus.

Despite the short publicity period, 50 people participated on the day. There were also participants from Niigata and Miyagi prefectures, indicating a high level of interest in the independence of multicultural families.

Mr. Bunji Inoue, principal of the iHelper School, which actively accepts and trains people from overseas, gave a keynote speech on the topic of "The independence of foreign women and the role of care workers." Mr. Inoue pointed out that as Japan moves towards accepting care workers from overseas, including technical intern trainees, in the future, foreigners in Japan could potentially become a bridge between Japanese and foreigners.

Following the project report by Katsuo Yoshinari, the APFS and Takashimadaira ACT Advisor, a panel discussion was held, coordinated by Tetsuo Mizukami, a professor at the Faculty of Sociology, Rikkyo University. From the perspectives of legal counseling, life welfare counseling, and the executive committee, perspectives were offered on the importance of bridging differences in perception, conveying information in an easy-to-understand manner, and the possibility of systematizing the program.

In addition, the trainees and Japanese language teachers who participated in the vocational training shared their thoughts. They expressed their determination to advance their careers through the nursing profession, which was met with thunderous applause.

The next social gathering was held at the Reifsnyder Hall, the former residence of the president. More than 20 people attended, making it a great success. There was lively exchange of information and appreciation for the participants.

This public presentation would not have been possible without the cooperation of everyone involved. We would like to express our gratitude to everyone involved, including the co-host Takashimadaira ACT, the supporting organization Rikkyo University Global Urban Research Institute, and the grant-providing organization Welfare and Medical Care Agency.

(Reference: Summary of the day)
Date and time: February 22, 2015 (Sunday) 14:00-17:00
(After the seminar, there will be a social gathering for about an hour and a half. The fee is 3,000 yen.)
Venue: Rikkyo University Ikebukuro Campus Tachikawa Memorial Hall 3rd floor multipurpose hall

【program】
1. Opening remarks: Mr. Tetsuo Mizukami (Professor, Faculty of Sociology, Rikkyo University)
2. Keynote speech: Mr. Bunji Inoue (Principal of iHelper School)
"Independence of Foreign Women and the Role of Care Work"
3. Business Report Yoshinari Katsuo (Advisor to APFS and Takashimadaira ACT)
4. Panel Discussion
Coordinator
Mr. Tetsuo Mizukami
Panelists:
Mr. Bunji Inoue
Mr. Fumiyoshi Saji (Takaban Law Office, Attorney-at-Law, Legal Consultation)
Ms. Natsuko Minamino (Full-time lecturer at the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Showa Women's University, in charge of lifestyle and welfare consultation)
Yoshiaki Noro (Professor, Faculty of Sociology, Rikkyo University)
5. Participating in the "Vocational training for career development for women from multicultural families"
Vocational training participant, beginner Japanese class instructor
6. Summary
Jotaro Kato (APFS Representative Director)

Organized by NPO ASIAN PEOPLE'S FRIENDSHIP SOCIETY (APFS)
Co-hosted by NPO ASIAN COMMUNITY TAKASHIMADAIRA (Takashimadaira ACT)
Sponsored by Rikkyo University Global Urban Research Institute
Supported by: Social Welfare and Medical Care Agency, Social Welfare Promotion Subsidy Program