Messages from Alumni

Japanese

HOME
Messages from Alumni

Aung Ko Myint

“What a big change this training made!”

This training changed me a lot. I learned to do many things in Japan, which I had never even thought of doing in Myanmar. Through the training, I experienced many new things, not only skills like speaking Japanese and operating a PC, but also living alone. Those experiences made me realize that I could do the things that I want to do in spite of my disability, and even more, it gave me confidence in myself.

My mother also changed because of my changes. She had previously disagreed with the idea of me living alone and getting married, among other things. But afterwards, she would often say to me, “Get married soon!” What an amazing change this training brought to my life! I got married in 2009 and currently live with my life in Yangon.

In 2011, I co-founded an organization called the Myanmar Indent Living Initiatives (MILI), where I serve as Operation Director. Everyday I am working hard to change society in Myanmar. My dream is to help to create a society wherein people with disabilities can live happily.

Aung Ko Myint

Former trainee from the 2nd program

Myanmar

Arti Umrotkar

“Make Your Dream Come True”

I am very thankful, from the bottom of my heart, to the Duskin Training program and to my friends and family for the support they gave me. I studied, experienced, reported, and learned about Japanese culture, sign language, people’s lives, etc. during my visit in Japan in 2009-2010.

It made me awake and hardworking. I came to challenge myself by doing my best to achieve my goal.

Since 2011, I have been working as part of a team on Deaf TV production and Deaf Entertainment (Theatre). I have also been working with the Bombay Foundation of Deaf Women (Ex-Committee members) and with online information and social networking services in India. The work is ongoing and progressive. At the same time I am doing a job for my daily survival and to take care of my mom.

So I am writing to tell you from now on you all must be confident and concentrate on work in order to make your dream come true. A lot of effort will bring you the best result.

Challenge yourself and think positively for success and happiness.

With best wishes,

Arti Umrotkar

Former trainee from the 11th program
India

Muhammad Shafiq Ur Rehman

“Go For It !!”

I stayed in Japan as one of the 3rd program trainees for 10 months between the end of August 2001 and the beginning of July 2002. In the beginning, I had many problems as the food, language and culture there were new to me. But, after a while, I got used to the Japanese lifestyle, with support from staff members and my fellow trainees.

I met with many great leaders with disabilities and had a plenty of new experiences. The acquaintances I met through the Independent Living Movement thoroughly changed my thoughts about the disability movement. I felt I was finally awakened to the world. This training program changed me completely.

Now I act as the president of Milestone, an organization working for persons with disabilities in Lahore, Pakistan. As the head of a relatively large organization running many activities throughout the country, I often face challenges in carrying out my tasks. Whenever I have problems, I recall my old days of the training. It gives me the guts to go on.

I would like to tell those who are interested in applying for this program, “Go for it!”

Muhammad Shafiq-ur-Rehman

Former trainee from the 3rd program
Pakistan