Buraku Problem Q&A
Many journalists, researchers and students from abroad come to visit us at the BLHRRI. Although they come from different parts of the world, they come to us to learn more about Buraku problems and ask for much information. Among the many questions asked us, we picked out those most frequently asked in these occasions, and will try to answer them as a new series of"Q&A"in this news letter. We hope this will be a help in understanding Buraku problems.
‚p At present how many people are studying at literacy classes ?
‚` While up-dated nationwide statistics are not available, the Board of Education of Osaka Prefecture made a first survey in 1996 on how many literacy classes are being organized in Osaka prefecture, in cooperation with the Board of Education of Osaka cities and organizations related to literacy classes.
According to the results, as of March 1996, 120 classes were held with a total number of 3,663 students, including 43 classes in Buraku areas, 36 classes at community halls, and 22 classes at civic voluntary organizations.
While women constitute 78% of the entire students, half of the students are foreign nationals, including Korean residents.
Aside from these literacy classes, about 2,000 adults are studying Japanese literacy at 10 night schools classes in Osaka.Classes exclusively for foreign migrant workers are held in many places.
Literacy classes were originally designed for Buraku people who were unable to go to school because of the poverty caused by discrimination. The illiteracy rate of Buraku people was much higher than that of non-Buraku people.
Under such circumstances, a voluntary literacy movement started at coal mining areas in Fukuoka Prefecture in 1963. The movement spread nationwide and developed into the present form.
While the majority of the students are women whose right to education has been seriously deprived compared to men, literacy instructors are teachers from elementary and junior high schools in the neighborhood, and staff of the community liberation halls. Most classes are regularly held in the evening once a week.
The class provides the students with self-awareness for Buraku liberation as well as literacy.