1. Purposes
Literacy (ability to read and write) is basic and essential for the realization of human rights. Millions of people around the world, especially in Asia, however are illiterate. Even in Japan, there are some Japanese who have not completed their compulsory schooling for various reasons. There are also a number of foreign residents in Japan who have difficulty in reading and writing Japanese.
The "United Nations Decade for Literacy" started in 2003 with the aim of eradicating illiteracy around the world. In Japan, the Buraku liberation movement has long been involved in literacy activities. In recent years, Japanese language classes have been opened in many parts of the country for the increasing number of foreign residents. The business sector has likewise started to take part in literacy projects. In December 1991, the "Yasuda Literacy Funds on the 10th Anniversary of Dowa Training Program" was created by "Yasuda Wafu-Kai," a non-profit organization of the former Yasuda Trust and Banking Company, to support literacy activities in Japan and in Asia.
From 2005, the Buraku Liberation and Human Rights Research Institute (BLHRRI) has managed half of the funds. To carry on the torch of the "Yasuda Literacy Funds on the 10th Anniversary of Dowa Training Program," BLHRRI created the "Yasuda Literacy Funds - Buraku Liberation and Human Rights Research Institute's Support for Literacy Activities" in June 2005 (hereinafter "Yasuda Literacy Funds").
We are therefore pleased to announce the start of the acceptance of application for the fifth financial support from the "Yasuda Literacy Funds" on literacy-related projects. Details are as follows:
2. Projects to be provided financial support
2-1) In Japan: No applications are to be accepted, as the screening committee has decided on with the "Center for Adult Learning, Literacy & Japanese as a Second Language, Osaka (CALL-JSL, Osaka)" for the year of 2009.
2-2) In Asia: A single or multiple year literacy project which is conducted (or will be conducted) somewhere in Asia.
3. Amount and period of financial support:
3-1) Projects in Japan: The amount of 1,000,000 Yen for the year to "Osaka Literacy and Japanese Learning Center." (period from April 2010 to March 2011; up to 3 years)
3-2) Projects in Asia: Maximum of 500,000 Yen per project per year (period from April 2010 to March 2011; up to 3 years)
For both Japan and Asia, an amount of million yen is available for each year, respectively.
4. Conditions:
4-1) Administrative costs (such as staff salary and overhead cost) should not exceed 50% of the total amount of the grant.
4-2) Publicity for the project supported by the fund has to specify that "the project is carried out with the financial support of 'Yasuda Literacy Funds' of Buraku Liberation and Human Rights Research Institute's Support for Literacy Activities."
4-3) A report on activities undertaken has to be submitted in accordance with the paragraph 7 below.
5. How to apply:
Complete the application form and send it to the address below by March 10, 2010 via e-mail, fax or postal mail (your preferred means of notification).. The application form is available upon request, please contact the address below. (For application sent through postal mail, the date March 10 or earlier has to be indicated by postmark on the envelop).
"Yasuda Literacy Funds" of Buraku Liberation and Human Rights Research Institute's Support for Literacy Activities
c/o Buraku Liberation and Human Rights Research Institute
1-6-12, Kuboyoshi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka, Japan 556-0028
Fax: 81-6-6568-0714
E-mail: shikiji-kikin@blhrri.org
Note: Application should be made either in Japanese or English as much as possible.
Any communications to be sent to us via e-mails should carry the words "Yasuda Literacy Funds" on the "subject" line.
6. Screening, notification of results and provision of financial support:
6-1) Screening of applications will be made by the steering committee of the "Yasuda Literacy Funds."
6-2) All applicants will be notified of the results of the screening process by April 15, 2010 through e-mail, fax or postal mail (by the same means that they contacted us).
6-3) The approved amount of financial support will be remitted to a bank account specified by the applicant by the end of April, 2010.
6-4) All submitted documents are not returnable.
7. Report:
7-1) An interim report covering the first six months of project implementation has to be submitted within two months thereafter (or after the first six-month period).
7-2) A final report has to be submitted within two months after a whole year has passed.
Note: Forms for the interim and final reports will be provided at the time of the notification of results of the screening.
For further information, please contact:
Kenzo Tomonaga or Chika Kumagai
Buraku Liberation and Human Rights Research Institute
Tel: 81-6-6568-0905 Fax 81-6-6568-0714
E-mail: shikiji-kikin@blhrri.org