“I passed the healthcare professional skills exam and the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test at level N4. Currently, I am preparing all procedures to come to Japan in December 2023. The free Japanese course opens up a new future for me”.

That is the sharing of Pham Kiem Khoa, 28, hailing from Quang Nam Province, when taking part in a free Japanese class co-organised by the Da Nang Association for Supporting Orphans and the Disabled, and the Zeno Shounen Bokujo social welfare organisation.

According to Chairman of the municipal Association for Supporting Orphans and the Disabled Nguyen Hoang Long, the course is open to people of working age who live in difficult circumstances and cannot afford the course fees, but wish to work at social welfare facilities in Japan or at Japanese enterprises in Viet Nam in order to increase income and independence in life.

According to Mr. Long, the free course is directly taught by Mr. Takahashi Jun. Up to now, the second class opened on July 3, attracting 17 trainees.

Mr. Takahashi Jun from Japan’s Hiroshima Prefecture remarked that the first course was opened online due to the complicated developments of COVID-19.

“My students are very hard-working, enthusiastic and always try their best in studying, which is a great encouragement for me. This has made me want to help many Vietnamese students understand Japanese culture and language so that when they come to Japan to work, they will soon adapt to life in Japan” the Japanese teacher said.

According to Mr. Pham Kiem Khoa, besides teaching the language, Mr. Takahashi Jun provides trainees with other knowledge such as Japanese culture and lifestyle to help them well understand about the Japanese way of life.

Mr. Nguyen Hoang Long said that the Japanese language course not only equips students with knowledge of the language, but it also creates an environment for Japanese and Vietnamese people to exchange cultures with each other.

Mrs. Uchida Miho, Head of the Zeno Shounen Bokujo organisation’s International Department, expressed "When starting the project on integrated support activities to improve social welfare in Da Nang (Phase 1) during the 2023-2025 period, we have received a lot of support from the municipal government. We believe that the good relationship between the two peoples of Viet Nam and Japan is a premise for the development of their diplomatic relationship”.

She added, in the future, the organisation will facilitate the association's staff to visit Japan to exchange management experience and improve skills in caring for and nurturing people with disabilities, orphans and disadvantaged people.

Reporting by THIEN AN - Translating by M.DUNG