The public briefing session for the "Comprehensive Support Project for the Independence of Multicultural Families" concluded successfully.

There is a reality of poverty among multicultural families. APFS, in cooperation with Takashimadaira ACT, has been working on the aforementioned project with the aim of proposing programs that enable multicultural families to build careers and improve their skills, so that they can lead independent lives in the future. We have been providing legal, life, and welfare consultations, basic Japanese language support, and vocational training for career development to foreign members of multicultural families and women of multicultural families.
　
As part of career development vocational training, we created a system that allows women from multicultural families to take the "Introductory Training for Care Workers" course while receiving Japanese language support. Four women have participated in the training so far.

On Sunday, February 22, 2015, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, we held a public briefing session regarding the above project. Thanks to the sponsorship of the Rikkyo University Global Urban Research Institute, we were able to hold the event in the multipurpose hall on the 3rd floor of the Tachikawa Memorial Hall on the Rikkyo University Ikebukuro Campus.

Despite the short notice period, 50 people attended the event. Participants came from Niigata and Miyagi prefectures, demonstrating the high level of interest in the independence of multicultural families.

We welcomed Mr. Fumiji Inoue, the principal of I-Helper School, which actively accepts and trains people from overseas, as our keynote speaker to discuss "The Independence of Foreign Women and the Role of Caregiving Work." Mr. Inoue suggested that, as the trend moves towards accepting caregiving personnel from overseas, including technical trainees, foreign residents in Japan have the potential to become a bridge between Japanese and foreigners.

Following the project report by APFS and Takashimadaira ACT advisor Katsuo Yoshinari, the project manager, a panel discussion was held, coordinated by Professor Tetsuo Mizukami of the Rikkyo University Faculty of Sociology. From the perspectives of legal consultation, social welfare consultation, and executive committee members, insights were offered on the importance of bridging differences in perception, communicating information clearly, and the potential of systematizing the program.

Furthermore, participants in the vocational training program and Japanese language teachers shared their impressions. They expressed their determination to advance their careers through caregiving, and were met with enthusiastic applause.

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

This public briefing session would not have been possible without the cooperation of everyone involved. We would like to express our gratitude to Takashimadaira ACT, the co-sponsoring organization; Rikkyo University Global Urban Research Institute, the grant provider; and all other related parties.

(Reference: Overview of the day)
Date and time: February 22, 2015 (Sunday) 14:00-17:00
(A social gathering will be held for about an hour and a half after the event. The participation fee is 3,000 yen.)
Venue: Multipurpose Hall, 3rd Floor, Tachikawa Memorial Hall, Rikkyo University Ikebukuro Campus

【program】
1. Opening Remarks by Tetsuo Mizukami (Professor, Faculty of Sociology, Rikkyo University)
2. Keynote Speech: Fumiji Inoue (Principal, I-Helper School)
"The Independence of Foreign Women and the Role of Caregiving Work"
3. Business Report: Katsuo Yoshinari (APFS Advisor, Takashimadaira ACT Advisor)
4. Panel Discussion
● Coordinator
Tetsuo Mizukami
● Panelists
Fumiji Inoue
Fuminori Saji (Attorney at Law, Takaban Law Office, Legal Consultant)
Natsuko Minamino (Full-time Lecturer, Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, Showa Women's University, in charge of life and welfare counseling)
Yoshiaki Noro (Professor, Faculty of Sociology, Rikkyo University)
5. Participating in "Vocational Training for Career Development for Women from Multicultural Families"
Vocational training participant, beginner Japanese class instructor
6. Summary
Jotaro Kato (APFS Representative Director)

Organizer: ASIAN PEOPLE'S FRIENDSHIP SOCIETY (APFS), a specified non-profit organization.
Co-sponsored by the specified non-profit organization ASIAN COMMUNITY TAKASHIMADAIRA (Takashimadaira ACT)
Sponsored by Rikkyo University Global Urban Research Institute
Grant provided by the Japan Welfare and Medical Service Agency, Social Welfare Promotion Grant Program.