UNI Global Union’s Japanese Liaison Council (UNI LCJ) represent over 1 million members from different service sectors. in order to motivate the young members to join in trade unions and prepare them for leadership UNI LCJ organize a Youth English Camp annually. The main aim of the camp was to improve English Language communication skills among Japanese Youth. In addition, to facilitate
networking among youth and sharing knowledge experience of youth participation in trade union activities from other countries in the region. I was fortunate enough to participate as resource Person with Sis Thushanthika representing Sri Lanka in the English camp held on 22-24 July in Fukushima Japan- There were many other union activist joined the camp as Resource persons representing Nepal, Malaysia, and Philippines. I felt the Youth Camp was successful learning experiences for all.
Sis Michelle Bellino (Director UNI Apro Youth) explained “What is UNI Global Union” for the participants especially highlighting at UNI, Youth is considered as drivers for presence and not for the future.
In the presentation of Sri Lanka, Sis Thushanthika and Myself jointly presented “Youth and Women activities In UNI SLAC (Sri Lanka Affiliate Council): How do the unions in Sri Lanka
promote the participation of youth and women into Union Activities?” We were able to share the experiences of UNI SLAC Youth effort to organize non-slandered employees into trade unions in the Super markets chain in Sri Lanka. In our presentations we stressed the importance of Youth in the trade union movement in realizing Sustainable Development Goals for shared future.
All participants were nerves and silent in the very first day, we managed to take them forward to speak up and present by applying participatory learning techniques. Toward the end of the camp all participants were enthusiastically participated in the activities in each and every sessions. This development was an encouraging indicator to assess the success of the camp.
In the mean time I was able to enjoy the Japanese cultural events in our evening gatherings while enjoying Japanese foods “Sushi”, ”Soba”, “Green Soba” , Japanese Special Green Tea” and “Sake”
We were touched by the Japanese way of life, their punctuality and the way they were greet each other respecting their culture.
I did my best, with commitment and strong conviction about trade unions collectivism at the English camp and I too learned lot of things from them to develop my self-development with in the short period in Japan.
I hope to keep in touch with all the Japanese friends to maintain our network and relationship as we discussed the importance of the Solidarity.