July 8, 2009 : Samegawa Tampopo-no-ie (Local visit: day 4)
Training Report - Decent work course
In the morning five participants went to “Madeiniya,” Udon noodle shop, which is managed by Tampopo-no-ie and located in the corner of the big shopping mall ground. Users of Tampopo-no-ie work there as serving staff.
At first Director asked them their impression of Tampopo-no-ie. Most of the participants gave her positive feedbacks. In Tokyo they had opportunities to learn the measures and policies for employment promotion of persons with disabilities and they also had chances to visit facilities for vocational rehabilitation and companies where persons with disabilities were employed, however it seemed hard for them to adapt the systems and methods to their work places in home countries.
On the contrary the lectures and observations at Tampopo-no-ie were very meaningful and useful to them. Since it is located in the remote area surrounded by the mountains and there aren't any big companies where persons with disabilities are able to work, the environment is quite similar to the ones in their home countries. They had confidence in creating the work places for persons with disabilities if they could make tireless efforts. JICA participants could get many keys to success from the Tampopo-no-ie activities.
Before leaving five participants enjoyed Madeiniya noodles and understood why Tampopo-no-ie can sell noodles very well. Because Very oishii!
