#Japan #special needs #Pal Line #Kumagaya

Strengthening Collaborations with Special Needs Schools in Kumagaya

On December 11th, Pal Line Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Koto-ku, Tokyo, and led by President Hiroshi Yokoyama) organized a remarkable sales event at the Pal System Kumagaya Center in Kumagaya City, Saitama. The event showcased agricultural products and crafts created by students from the Fukaya Habataki Special Needs School, under the guidance of Principal Yoshikazu Kusuo. Eight students participated, engaging with staff members and gaining valuable experience in customer service.

A Successful Opening Ceremony

During the opening ceremony, a representative student addressed the attendees, expressing excitement about selling their products: “Today, we aim to sell a lot. Thank you for your support!” Alongside the Pal Line staff, the students lifted their spirits before embarking on the sales initiative. In the center's lobby and entrance, a variety of items crafted by the students, including ceramics, woodworking, leather goods, and fresh vegetables from the school’s garden, were displayed for sale.

All vegetables were priced at just 100 yen, attracting several staff members who eagerly made purchases, leading to a quick sell-out of these items. The quality of the showcased ceramics and crafts impressed many staff, showcasing the high level of skill and dedication exhibited by the students.

Engaging the Workforce

Some employees even arrived ahead of their shifts just to participate in the event, highlighting the enthusiasm surrounding the initiative. The students, thrilled to see their creations being sold, expressed their joy: “I was happy to talk with customers. It was fun and went by so quickly.” Their smiles reflected both pride and excitement.

Introducing a Safe Working Environment

Within the center’s operational line, graduates from the special needs school are essential team members, actively contributing to daily tasks. In response to requests from staff, students have helped create workbenches, deepening the relationship between the school and the workplace. Events like this sales fair provide students with insights into potential future job opportunities.

Moving forward, the goal is to strengthen partnerships with special needs schools, ensuring students’ hard work and achievements are recognized widely.

Fostering Mutual Understanding in the Workplace

Since 2020, Pal Line has distributed a manual for employing people with disabilities to all its employees, proactively hiring individuals with disabilities. Training initiatives are conducted to minimize uncertainties stemming from mutual misunderstandings among co-workers. The company has also designated