Summary of Survey Topics
FY2002 Representative Assembly
Committee on Education
- [Themes]
The current status and tasks centering on the three issues of "International Understanding in the Schools," "International Schools," and "Foreign Students" were examined. Since proposals related to "International Schools" and "Foreign Students" were submitted in the past, "International Understanding in the Schools" was the main theme focused on for the current Representative Assembly.
- [Lecture and Fieldwork]
Lecture: "Specific Efforts Being Undertaken to Facilitate the Education of Foreign Residents in Our Schools" (Lecturers from the Board of Education and General Education Center)
Fieldwork: The representatives went to observe such programs as an open class on International Understanding and Respect of Human Rights (at Imai Elementary School, Sakuramoto Junior High School, and others), an International Studies Class (at Fujimidai Elementary School, and others) and Volunteer Study Support Programs (at Sakuramoto Elementary School).
- [Summary of Survey Topics]
The opinions and ideas that were offered were analyzed and the issues were summarized.
- Children from Foreign Cultural Backgrounds
* Since bullying can happen when there are differences in outward appearances, customs and way of thinking, teachers can develop a better grasp of different cultures though attending training courses.
* Not understanding what is being taught in classes because of an inability to speak Japanese can lead to low scholastic skills and absenteeism.
* How should the issues of maintaining one's native language proficiency and personal identity be handled?
- Education Programs in International Understanding
* By promoting international understanding through continuous programs, people will become familiar with the cultures and peoples od different countries.
* Creating an enviroment in the communities and schools that increases international understanding, and promoting inter-cultural exchanges oriented to children of different age groups.
- Communication Between Foreign Residents and the Schools
* It's important for foreign residents and parents in the community to actively participate in opportunities for friendly exchanges, such as international understanding classes and PTA activities. Opportunities for children to paticipate in friendly exchanges are also needed!
Committee on Community Life
- [Themes]
It was decided that surveys would be conducted on "Housing," "Pensions," "Availability of Information" and "the Right to Vote in Regional Government," in this order.
- [Lecture and Fieldwork]
Lecture: "Housing Problems That Foreign Residents Have" (Lecturers from the Kanagawa Foreigners' Housing Support Center)
Fieldwork: The representatives visited the Foreign Residents Registration Counter and Information corner for foreigners for each ward office and branch ward office.
- [Summary of Survey Topics]
The opinions and ideas that were offered were analyzed and the issues were summarized.
- Housing
* Even though city regulations and systems have been developed, there is still discrimination against foreigners in finding housing.
* There are problems with neighbors after moving in.
* How can the Basic Housing Regulation and Housing Support System be used effectively by real-estate agents, landlords and foreign residents?
- Pensions
* Pension problems have been brought up, such as the need to remedy the difference between the lump-sum withdrawal benefit and the amount of insurance premiums paid by foreign residents who have been long-term members.
* Fieldwork must be done to address each basic issue related to the pension program.
- Availability of Information
* Opinions were submitted concerning the method of relaying information and ward officeprocedures to provide information.
- The Right to Vote in Regional Government Elections
* Opinions were given about how to secure resident voting rights in regional governmental elections.