JITCO

Case 1: 

Integrating Local Exchange Programs Into The Initial Group Training
Sanyo Techno Cooperative and For You Cooperative

It's been eight years since trainees had been accepted into the sewing industry through two cooperatives: Sanyo Techno Cooperative in Fukuyama, Hiroshima, and the For You Cooperative in Kasaoka, Okayama.

"Nagano Mura" (Nagano Village) is located 90 minutes away from the respective offices of Sanyo Techno and For You Co-ops, and has been used as the facility for initial group training of trainees. Sanyo Techno began using the facility in 2004 while For You began in June 2005. This facility is located in Hiroshima prefecture in a small village called Nagano. The facility offers not only accommodation but also functions as a center for community exchange. Every year, local festivals and activities are held in the facility, and since training began in 2004, Nagano Mura has become very active. For example, the senior citizens association conducts a regular activity of making traditional twine balls for the international trainees.

Originally, the group training for those cooperatives only consisted of lectures by accepting or sending organizations and did not include any interaction with facility staff or local people.  Gradually, as suggested by facility staff, local committee members and the senior citizens association, lectures by various local people such as post office employees, police officers and the village head were incorporated into the training, as well as exchange activities with local residents.  Taking advantage of the situation, the training has been expanded into speech presentations at exchange activities and singing Japanese songs, which encourage the trainees to use their Japanese skills.  As a result, trainees' language skills and adaptability to Japanese customs have improved significantly.

[For You Co-op trainees exchanging with local elders in the community.]

[Sanyo Techno Co-op trainees attending a lecture by a post office employee.]

Mr. Takahashi from Sanyo Techno Co-op observed, 'There are trainees who have received anti-Japanese education in their home country of China.  But, through the exchanges with facility staff and local people, they have come to appreciate Japanese people and customs.  This helps them greatly to open up with co-op staff whilst training.'  Mr. Takao, interpreter for the co-op said, 'Thanks to the time spent with facility staff and local people, the trainees realized the importance of good language skills, and continued to study hard even after the intensive training was completed.'  Mr. Shigemi, the chair of For You Co-op, pointed out, 'Compared with the trainees of different facilities, those who trained in Nagano Mura have developed their language skills much faster.'

The trainees loved the initial training with time to spend with local residents, saying,  'Despite the language barrier, the local people were very kind.  It almost felt that we knew each other before', and,  'The exchange activities were the most memorable.  I will not forget my experience in the village.'

[Thank-you cards and artwork from the trainees of Sanyo Techno Co-op.]

Because the accepting organizations are far from Nagano Village, it is difficult for trainees to visit the area after the group training has been completed.  However, the correspondence still continues!  Often trainees send letters, cards, and essays as well as hand-made gyoza (dumplings).  Mr. Tsuchiya, the village head, participates in the co-op supervision visits to affiliated companies and encourages the trainees and interns.

Through the experiences of Nagano Village, co-op members have recognized the benefits of exchange activities with local residents. Currently, both co-operatives are working hard to create an even more effective curriculum.

[Thank-you cards and artwork from the trainees of Sanyo Techno Co-op.]