Friday, July 22nd, 2005

Inclusion of Children and People in Welfare and Education

Seisa University Holds Video Conference Connecting Tokyo, Manila

An international video conference on "Inclusion of Children and People in Welfare and Education" was held by Seisa University on July 7, 2005 via the GDLN. Speakers at the TDLC in Tokyo were connected with the Philippines and 6 Seisa study centers across Japan, bringing together approximately 200 participants with backgrounds in education and welfare.

Speakers at the TDLC included President Kaoru Yamaguchi of Seisa University, Dr. Teresta G.Inciong, Director IV of the Bureau of Elementary Education, the Philippines Department of Education, Dr.Yunying Chen, from the China National Institute of Education Research, and Ms.Pramila Balasundaram, Founder-Director of SAMADHAN.

President Yamaguchi reported that in Japan, while special services for the disabled were being provided in public schools at the primary and secondary level, there was still a shortage of professional staff. In the Philippines, Dr.Inciong explained that the government had taken steps to revise laws regarding inclusive education, and emphasized the importance of cooperation between the government and NGOs, local community, as well as parents.

Dr.Chen talked of the need for curriculum reform to provide higher quality inclusive education programs. Ms.Balasundaram introduced the history of education for the disabled in India, and identified poverty, fiscal issues and a lack of understanding within the general public as impediments to inclusion.

Seisa University was founded in 2004 with the goal of providing learning opportunities 'whenever, wherever and by whomever". It specializes in correspondence courses on education, environment and international relations. Many students with disabilities are enrolled. The school uses video conferencing for lectures and internal events, and organized this conference as a new attempt to facilitate an international exchange of information.

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Seisa University's English-language brochure (2.6 MB PDF)