AOTS Journal 2018 SPRING No.12 (ENGLISH)

13/18

11No. 12 SPRING 2018Since scal 2008, AOTS has been implementing six-month training in Japan featuring intensive Japanese language lessons for nurse and care worker candidates from Indonesia and the Philippines under the Economic Partnership Agreements between Japan and the two countries. For scal 2017, all those candidates from the two countries were divided and sent to four training venues, in Tokyo, Yokohama, Toyota, and Osaka, and undertook training from June to December.One common difculty they face in Japan is how to overcome ‘winter in Japan.’ They experienced their rst ever coldness in the morning and evening from early October and many candidates were forced to prepare for winter.Japan Indonesia Association, Inc. collected a lot of winter clothing in over 200 boxes donated by over 100 corporate and personal members for the Indonesian candidates, 295 care worker- and 29 nurse- candidates, under training in the three venues of AOTS Tokyo Kenshu Center, Kansai Kenshu Center and Chubu Ofce. All this winter clothing arrived at each venue in November. In addition, by the courtesy of Lotte Holdings Co., Ltd., 56 cases of disposable heat packs and 11 cases of assorted confectionery of three kinds including chocolate were donated as well.One of the donors gave a message saying, ‘Winter is approaching. I would be happy if my humble clothing here can ease the cold even a bit for your very rst winter challenge in Japan. Keep going by taking care of yourself.’ A Japanese citizen who tried to pass an examination for the nursing helper license also wrote her message: ‘I respect you as you are away from home and studying hard a new language and skills.’ Such heart-felt messages touched the candidates and we believe they will work hard to pass national examinations eventually after AOTS training and starting their working lives in respective hospitals and nursing facilities.To overcome severe coldness in Japan, the Philippine Society of Japan sent winter clothing for the Filipino candidates, 271 caregiver candidates and 34 nurse candidates, in Osaka and Yokohama in June and July 2017. AOTS had the privilege of the presence of Mr. Kanji Endo, Director of the Philippine Society of Japan, at Yokohama, together with the wonderful people of Kirin Holdings, Tshuneishi Shipbuilding, and Taiheiyo Cement, while Mr. Makoto Katsura, president of the society, came to Osaka to witness the presentation of the gifts. After the ceremony in Osaka, the guests and the candidates moved to the dining room for lunch and talked about home and their impressions of Japan with each other. Those candidates in Yokohama left for a Mt. Fuji tour on October 19 in the rain but could wear those sweaters, overcoats, and mufers and could enjoy the tour but forgot the cold. Winter Clothing Donated to EPA Candidates from Japan Indonesia Association and the Philippine Society of Japan• Japan Indonesia Association, Inc.• The Philippine Society of JapanFilipino candidates enjoying Mt. Fuji tour, free from the cold by donated winter clothing (Yokohama)Indonesian candidates wearing their choice of mufer and overcoats (Osaka)On this occasion, AOTS wishes to express its gratitude to both Japan Indonesia Association, Inc. and the Philippine Society of Japan for their heartful and nice gifts. Thank you very much, Sirs and Madams!