GovernmENt of Japan's Core Leaders in Civil SOciety Programme

The Japanese Government operates an international programme to develop leadership in civil society through collaboration and the development of key networks. This year New Zealand has been invited to participate along with United Kingdom and Sweden.  Sister Cities New Zealand Inc. is again contracted to administer the programme in this country.

The programme has two parts:

1.   The Sending Programme (To New Zealand)

A group of nine people from Japan, selected for their involvement in organised activities in the field of Care for People with Disabilities and aged between 23 and 40 years, will visit New Zealand in November 2007.  The group will be given a programme relevant to their professional interest, firstly in Wellington for meetings with Government and other agencies, then moving to Christchurch for a range of activities engaging directly with local Care Providers and their clients.   The aim of the Sending Programme is to allow participants to study and learn from methods of Care in New Zealand, through the sharing of information on the sector concerned in both countries and direct experience of New Zealand practice.  Two nights’ accommodation will be in homestays.

2.  The Invitation Programme (To Japan)

A group of thirteen people from New Zealand, selected for their engagement in one of three sectors - Care for People with Disabilities, Care of the Aged, and Care of Youth, between the ages of 23 and 40 years, and with at least three years’ experience working in their sector, will be formed to visit Japan from Tuesday 5th February to Tuesday 19th February 2008.  The group will comprise four participants from each of the three sectors plus a leader chosen from Care for People with Disabilities.  The programme is determined by the Cabinet Office of the Japanese Government and includes time in Tokyo to attend an NPO Forum, followed by local programmes elsewhere in Japan.  The cost of transport including return airfares between Auckland and Japan, interpreter services, meals and accommodation will be met by the Japanese Government.  One night’s accommodation will be in homestays.  The cost of travel in New Zealand to/from Auckland, travel insurance (mandatory) and personal spending will be the care of the participants.  The aim of the Invitation Programme is to take international visitors into the Japanese Care environment, to study the issues facing Japanese society and to further engage so as to share methods of Best Practice. 

Applications for participation in the Invitation Programme are now invited.   Applications will be considered by a panel of the Board of SCNZ Inc. for recommendation to the Cabinet Office of the Japanese Government, who shall make the final selection.  The closing date for applications is Friday 21st September 2007.  

Click here for the Programme Guidelines and Application Form