Young leaders prepare for Japan visit

On Wednesday last week, the New Zealand delegation of the Community Core Leaders Development Programme came together for the first time ahead of their trip to Japan in February.
Photo of some of the NZ delegates on the 2018 Community Core Leaders Programme
Some of the NZ delegates going on the Community Core Leaders Development Programme. Includes disabiliity delegates Anna Parsons (back, third left) and Dane Dougan (front, far right), delegation leader

The young leaders participated in a meeting at the Office for Disability Issues, co-hosted with the Office for Seniors, in Wellington. They came together to learn about what to expect from their trip and how to get the best out of the experience.  Those who couldn’t attend the face-to-face meeting were briefed by teleconference the next day.

The delegates representing the disability sector were selected from 69 applicants, who work for non-government organisations in the areas of disability, based on their performance to date and/or potential for leadership.

The Community Core Leaders Development Programme brings together delegates from New Zealand, Austria and Germany, and hosts Japan, providing them with an opportunity to exchange ideas and information, and to build international networks within their areas of expertise. While in Japan, they will take part in a four-day discussion forum in Tokyo and then visit a regional city to observe community -based services and attend local seminars specific to their specialist field.

For the Japanese hosts, the Programme’s aim is: “to develop a cohesive society where every individual is able to participate in society regardless of age, disability and /or social background, and to utilise their various abilities to the best of their ability to support each other”.

Introducing the disability delegates

New Zealand has thirteen delegates going to Japan in total, including five from the disability sector. The disability delegates are:

  • Dane Dougan, Chief Executive, Autism New Zealand, attending as the delegation leader.
  • Jade Farrar, Te Pou Limited
  • Kristyn Gain, Idea Services, IHC New Zealand
  • Anna Parsons, Community Connections
  • Sharleen Tongalea. CCS Disability Action

We wish the group a safe and productive visit to Japan, and to sharing their insights with you on their return.

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