On November 29, 2024, the containership loaded with wheelchairs and other equipment left Tokyo port for Universal Progress Center in Mongolia (Representative: Mr. Andrakhbayar). Our initial estimate was that it would take two to three months to arrive in Ulaanbaatar, but it arrived on January 30, 2025, and the warehouse delivery took place in extremely cold weather.

  All 107 wheelchairs were delivered to applicants throughout Mongolia in advance. Mongolia is a large country, and some places were as far away as 1,600 km from Ulaanbaatar. Children are selected based on the wheelchair photos and seat size information our NGO had sent in advance, but in some cases the sizes did not fit. We are grateful to the local officials and Mr. O of JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteers who did this work.
　

  The handover ceremony was held on Friday, April 18, at 2:00 p.m. as the temperature rose. The venue was a conference room on the 8th floor of the Mongolian Disability Development Agency. The Mongolian attendees included the Universal Progress Center (the recipient of this donation), the Mongolian Association of Parents of Children with Disabilities, the children who received wheelchairs this time and their parents, officials from the facilities used by the children, the Development Agency for Persons with Disabilities, and the National Rehabilitation Center for Children with Disabilities.

  Japanese participants were from Tokyo Akishima Chuo Rotary Club, Embassy of Japan in Mongolia, JICA Mongolia Office, Japanese Association of Mongolia, and Morita from our NGO. The handover ceremony was covered by the Mongolian National Broadcasting Corporation.　

  The Mongolian side was very pleased with this donation. However, there were even stronger requests for the next recipient, and they were making preparations for the next time. I am determined to continue to send wheelchairs to the Mongolian side in response to their passionate desire.

April 26, 2025      Hirokazu Morita

== At the handover ceremony ==

(Left) Morita gives a speech at the ceremony.
(Right) Commemorative photo with Mr. Bayard, the representative of the recipient;the person on the right in a wheelchair, and other related party.

  On April 20, 2025, we had a monthly meeting with 25 participants; Sagami Women’s University group, Vietnamese group, Tama Technical High School graduates, Ethiopian group, general volunteers, and staff.

  To read more,,,

  On March 9, 2025, we had a meeting with 46 people including CMA CGM JAPAN K.K. members. Other members were Sagami Women’s University group, Vietnamese group, Ethiopian group, Nepalese group, general volunteers, and staff.

  To read more,,,

  At the end of January 2025, the ship loaded with wheelchairs for Pakistan left the port of Yokohama. It is expected to arrive in Karachi in early March. The wheelchairs will be deliverd after a 1,300 km land transportation from Karachi to the destination, Lahore.

  The shipment to Pakistan was made possible by a request from the NPO Sakura Wheelchair Project (headed by Mr. Hiroyuki Shinoda), which has been sending electric wheelchairs to Pakistan, for the provision of wheelchairs for children. In addition to the Project’s electric wheelchairs and adult wheelchairs, we sent 82 children’s wheelchairs and rehabilitation equipment.

  The Project has been providing technical guidance to our partner, Milestone Society for the special persons, on the manufacture and repair of various types of wheelchairs. The society is promoting the training of skilled workers and supporting their self-reliance in Pakistan, with great success.

  All the wheelchairs provided by our NGO to the Project are unequipped. They will be maintained at the site as part of technical training and will be delivered to children after functional testing.

  We look forward to hearing from the local partner that the finished wheelchairs have been provided to children in Pakistan.

February 21, 2025      Hirokazu Morita

== Loading ==
(How to see the photos)Click on the photos to enlarge them.

  The container loading of wheelchairs took place in Bando City prior to the vessel’s departure at the end of January. The total number of wheelchairs shipped to the country is now 343.

  On February 11, 2025, we had a meeting with 13 members from MFS Investment Management K.K. The temperature was rather low, but the sun was shining and we were able to work without feeling too cold.

  To read more,,,

  On February 9, 2025, we had a meeting with over 60 participants, the largest attendance in the last 5 years. There were Sagami Women’s University group, Ethiopian group, Vietnamese group, Tama Technical High School group, Nepalese group, general volunteers, and staff; 61 in total.

  To read more,,,

  On January 15, 2025, we went to Hidaka Special School in Hidaka City, Saiatama Prefecture, to receive 21 wheelchairs and other equipment. The weather was fine and we were able to load the truck in a short time and trasported them to our warehouse in Haijima.

  When we arrived, the teacher and PTA board members were waiting for us with the wheelchairs lined up in the school yard. The wheelchairs were stored in the storage room behind the gymnasium and they were in good condition.

  There were a total of 21 units: 12 wheelchairs, 2 buggy-types, 2 sitting-aids, 4 walkers, and 1 car seat. Among them were two unusual ones:wheelchairs for sports use. We would like to find an overseas partner that can make use of these sports wheelchairs and deliver them.

  Thankyou, Hidaka Special School.

January 19, 2025      Secretariat

== Hidaka Special School ==
(How to see the photos)Click on the photos to enlarge them.

  The school was easy to find with information boards placed on the main road nearby. Buses used to transport children and students lined the large grounds.

(Left) The teacher and PTA board members were waiting for us with wheelchairs.
(Right) All the units were loaded onto the truck in a short time.

We have received two wheelchairs for sports use. We will look for an overseas partner who can utilize them.

  On January 12, 2025, we had the first meeting of the year with 54 participants: Sagami Women’s University group, Vietnamese group, Tama Technical High School group, Ethiopian group, Ukrainian group, general volunteers, and staff.

  To read more,,,