Duskin Leadership Training in Japan

スマホ ナビ

FAQ

Your Application

I am unemployed and have never had a job. Can I apply?

Yes, this program requires no work experience and you are eligible to apply.

What educational background is required of applicants?

No educational background is necessary. Anyone with disabilities who is willing to become a leader in his/her community can apply for the program as long as they have communication skills in Japanese, English or Sign Language (Japanese or American).

I am 30 years old. Can I apply?

Yes, you can. The upper age limit for Applicant criteria has changed to 35 years of age since the 24th training program.

You need to be between 18 and 35 years of age as of the deadline for submission of application form.

We regret that applications send by those who are aged 36 or over will not be considered.

All successful applicants will be requested to provide a photo ID showing their date of birth prior to their enrolment in the program.

Why do you have the age criterion?

The purpose of the program is to give a training opportunity to young and highly motivated people who might not have had much experience but wish to become leaders in the future. With this aim, the age criterion was set up by the Executive Committee.

My application was unsuccessful last year. Can I apply again?

Yes, so long as you meet all of the applicant criteria. In the past, some applicants have been selected at their second or third trial.

How much money do I need in order to participate in the program?

In principle, your training fees and travel costs to and within Japan will be covered. Please see section 15 of the application guidance document.

Where can I get the application form?

The application form and the application guidance document are available here. Hard copies can be posted to you upon request. If you require a hard copy, please email the Secretariat.

How can I submit my application form? What else do I need to send you?

Please send a completed application form with a full-body photo of yourself to the Secretariat by either email or airmail (including international courier services). We do not accept applications sent by fax.

Should I send supporting documents with my application form?

No, please do not enclose any supporting documents with your application form, such as degree certificates or letters of reference.

How do you select trainees?

The Executive Committee, consisting of 10 members and 1 advisor, are responsible for the selection. They first screen all valid applications and nominate potential candidates, whom they interview in their respective countries. The Committee then hold a meeting to report interview results and make final decisions.

What are most important elements of my application?

The Executive Committee would be particularly interested to know about your long-term plans to change society in your own region or country.

I applied several weeks ago but have not heard from you. What can I do?

As we receive a large number of applications, the selection process inevitably takes several months. We appreciate your patience. However, if you have not heard from the Secretariat by the end of May, please contact us.

Should I send my application by email or post?

Please submit your application by any of the following means: email (Microsoft Word format only), post or international courier. Once you have emailed your application, you do not need to send a hard copy by post unless requested by the Secretariat.

How can I be sure that my application form has reached you?

We regret that we do not acknowledge a receipt of your application.

Do you accept people with any type of disability?

Yes, the program is open to people with any kind of disability or disabilities. However, you must be able to pursue everyday activities such as eating and toileting by yourself.

What is a 'Surety'?

A Surety refers to a person who will be liable to the Sponsor and the implementing agency for your fulfilment of his/her obligations, including the immediate payment of any financial debt.

Your Training and Life in Japan

What kind of things can I learn in Japan?

Upon completing the Japanese language course, you will start participating in group and individual training programs. The former - group training - covers a number of topics including: anti-abuse actions; international law; disability movements and networks; facilitation and communication skills; how to write grant proposals; sports; and welfare policies and measures in Japan. The latter - individual training - will be designed based on your specific needs and interests.

How will my training be programmed?

You must have made a draft training plan by the time of application. Your final training program will be developed in consultation with your training coordinator after your arrival in Japan.

Who will give me training?

Your training will be given by a number of lecturers and instructors who are specialized in their own field of expertise. We appoint professional trainers with highly specialized knowledge and rich experience.

Will the training be conducted in English?

Upon your arrival in Japan, the series of orientation will be conducted in both English and American Sign Language. During the first three months, you will have a Japanese-English (sign language) interpreter at your training. Your language teachers and training coordinators will also have English. However, from January onwards all the training will be provided in the Japanese (sign) language.

I can already speak Japanese. Do I still need to attend the language course?

We will reassess your Japanese language skills upon your arrival in Japan. Depending on results of the assessment, you may be offered an advanced language course or other training opportunities - we will make a suitable arrangement for you.

Can I go back home to see my family during the training period?

In principle you are expected to stay in Japan throughout the training period. However, you will have the right to a temporary return to your home country in the following cases:

(1) Death or a critical injury or illness of your parent, spouse or child;

(2) An evacuation recommendation issued by the government of your home country following a natural or other disaster in Japan;

(3) Unavoidable circumstances due to international conflict; or

(4) Any other situation that the Sponsor and the implementing agency jointly approve.

Can I bring my family to Japan?

No, you are not allowed to bring any family member to Japan.

Where in Japan will I stay during the training?

In the first three months, you will be based in Tokyo. During individual training you will stay at different places depending on your training.

After Training

Will you find me a job in Japan after the training?

No, we will not assist you in looking for a job in Japan. Neither will the program award you any academic degree. After a successful completion of the training, you will have to build your career by yourself. Moreover, as soon as the training ends, you will travel back to your home country and be expected to start activities for the disabled population in society.

What do former trainees do?

Many of our past trainees play an active part in promoting disability welfare and human rights in their own countries and regions. Some of our alumni have joined in local/national/international NGOs and GOs, while others work for private firms or run their own business. Also, it is worth noting that Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs) have been established by alumni who are based in Lahore, Phnom Penh, Seoul, Taipei, Ulaanbaatar and Yangon. These DPOs offer various services and training sessions to local citizens and negotiate with government to improve the situation disabled people live in. Moreover, over the past 15 years the cross-national Duskin Family network has been expanding all over Asia and the Pacific, through which our alumni share information and support one another.

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