The Executive Committee for the Duskin Leadership Training in Japan is pleased to announce the call for applications for the 21st Duskin Leadership Training in Japan (2019-20). The Duskin program, which was first implmented in 1999, is designed to provide highly motivated young individuals with disabilities living in Asia and the Pacific Region with about a 10-month long training opportunity to learn about the current situation of welfare measures and services for persons with disabilities in Japan. It also offers a series of workshops where participants can enhance their practical skills and develop good leadership. Over the past 19 years the program has hosted 133 people, many of whom are today taking action for human rights of persons with disabilities over the world.

Unique features of the program include that the instruction language is Japanese: the first 3 months are devoted to intensive Japanese (Sign) language lessons, and by the end of the program participants can develop fluency in the language. Moreover, a number of months are spent on tailor-made individual training, reflecting each participant’s own needs, interests and future goals. At present 5 prospective trainees, who have been selected to attend the 20th program are developing their training plan and getting ready for the journey they are embarking on in September.

Please find copies of Application Guidance and Application form which can be downloaded at http://www.normanet.ne.jp/~duskin/english.

The deadline for application is August 8, 2018.