International symposium "Challenges in the dispatch of nursing care workers and support for foreign residents - learning from the experiences of the Philippines and Indonesia" held

An international symposium was held at Rikkyo University's Ikebukuro campus on Saturday, March 5, 2016. Approximately 90 people, including participants from overseas, listened intently to what challenges foreign caregivers face in the field of care in Japan.
In the first part of the symposium, Ivy Miravalles, who works at a government agency in the Philippines, and Sulistyowati Irianto, an Indonesian university professor who studies migrant women, were invited as lecturers and spoke from the perspective of those who have sent nurses and caregivers to Japan. The two reported on the current situation in which the number of nurses and caregivers being sent to other countries is increasing due to the global aging population. They pointed out that in Japan, there are still strong language and racial barriers, and even if people have sufficient knowledge and skills, they are unable to fully utilize their skills in the field. They stressed the importance of both countries facing the challenges and continuing to work together to create better systems and workplaces. During the question and answer session, there was a lively discussion with the participants.
In the second part, APFS (ASIAN PEOPLE'S FRIENDSHIP SOCIETY), a non-profit organization, gave a report on its activities over the past year, followed by a panel discussion. In the panel discussion, the panelists, who are active at the forefront of their respective research fields, discussed the role that foreigners living in Japan can play between newly arrived foreign caregivers and Japanese caregivers, and what efforts are needed from Japanese nursing and care workers. They then pointed out areas in which Japan, including those in the field, should be more flexible in its response and make improvements.
After the symposium, a social gathering was held at Rikkyo University's first dining hall.
Approximately 30 people participated, and there was some interaction between researchers and participants.
This symposium was made possible with the support of the Social Welfare Promotion Subsidy Program of the Welfare and Medical Care Agency.
Thank you once again.
<Event summary>
●Date and time: March 5, 2016 (Sat) 14:00-17:15
Venue: Rikkyo University Ikebukuro Campus, Building 8, Room 8101
●Contents
[Part 1] Issues in sending care workers abroad: Experiences in the Philippines and Indonesia
14:00～14:10 Opening remarks
Tetsuo Mizukami (Professor, Faculty of Sociology, Rikkyo University)
14:10～14:40 Challenges in sending care workers to Japan in the Philippines
Mr. Ivy Miravalles (Director, Commission on Filipino Overseas)
14:40～15:10 Challenges in sending Indonesian care workers to Japan
Sulistyowati Irianto (Professor, University of Indonesia)
15:10-15:30 Q&A session
[Part 2] What role should foreign residents play in accepting care workers?
15:40～16:00 Comprehensive support project for foreign residents to become independent Project report
Katsuo Yoshinari (Director and Advisor, NPO ASIAN PEOPLE'S FRIENDSHIP SOCIETY)
16:00-17:05 Panel discussion
Panelists
Mr. Bunji Inoue (Principal of Ai Helper School (currently Yoko Care College))
Chizuko Kawamura (Professor, Faculty of Environmental Creation, Daito Bunka University)
Ms. Natsuko Minamino (Full-time lecturer, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Showa Women's University)
Yoshiaki Noro (Professor, Faculty of Sociology, Rikkyo University)
coordinator
Mr. Tetsuo Mizukami
commentator
Mr. Ivy Miravalles and Mr. Sulistyowati Irianto
17:05-17:15 Summary and closing remarks
Jotaro Kato (Representative Director of NPO ASIAN PEOPLE'S FRIENDSHIP SOCIETY)
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, Rikkyo University Peace and Community Research Institute
Supported by: Social Welfare and Medical Care Agency, Social Welfare Promotion Subsidy Program
Supported by Toshima City, Japan Association of Certified Social Workers, Tokyo Metropolitan Council of Social Welfare