Newsletter No.36

Despite the ongoing pandemic and strife

Our Activities in Ekoda

Thank you to our volunteers who have been working tirelessly despite the pandemic, and our generous supporters! We have been continuing our activities while limiting the number of people and following infection prevention guidelines. In Egoda, everyone has utilized their various talents to prepare a working environment. Acquiring wheelchairs in good condition has allowed us to reduce maintenance costs and time spent working, speeding up the process. In order to deliver as many wheelchairs as possible, we have started operating in Musashino and Nagano as well.

The distribution of wheelchairs has been delayed due to Covid-19 related confusion in Asian countries. There are some partners who have been infected with Covid-19 as well. Myanmar in particular is in a very difficult situation due to political upheaval. Therefore, we have been conducting online meetings with each of the countries to understand existing challenges and discuss countermeasures. We are also expanding cooperation with other organizations in Japan, and are moving forward with multiple donation plans in a flexible manner.

When the pandemic settles down, we are hoping to conduct training in maintenance techniques in Japan and overseas. In addition, we aim to visit recipients with our overseas partners and repair the wheelchairs. Though we are in the midst of an unprecedented pandemic, there are still many people in need of wheelchairs. We humbly ask for your continued support.

From RCID (Child Welfare Institute) in Thailand

The RICD is accredited by the WHO for wheelchair fitting. There is a professional wheelchair fitter in the team who fits the wheelchair to each individual’s body shape and symptoms, before we deliver it. They took the time to fit this boy perfectly as well. It is heartwarming to see him sitting and playing in his newly fitted wheelchair!

Ms. K (37 yrs old), has been paralyzed below the neck due to a car accident. The wheelchair that she had been renting until now was crude and hard to use. “The wheelchair that I received is really easy to use, and has allowed me to do many things freely by myself. I’m happy that I am able to go out in my neighborhood and live like my life before.” We are also happy to have been of help.

Ms. S (37 yrs old), broke her neck in a motorcycle accident when she was 19 years old.The accident left her paralyzed from the neck down and unable to move her left arm. Neither she nor her mother could accept this sudden and harsh reality, and struggled for a long time.

However, she eventually came to believe that God was with her and kept her alive. When her old wheelchair was about to break down, she got a new one. When the old wheelchair began to break down, she was provided with a new wheelchair, which became her arms and legs and allowed her mother to have her own time. She now accepts her disability without giving up on life, and both mother and daughter are now looking towards the future, encouraging each other.