Hello everyone!  This is Kana Takahashi, the Director of JCIA.

Today, we have an important announcement to share with you. After 31 years of activity, we have decided to launch our very first crowdfunding campaign.

■ They have the skills, but they cannot afford the "tools."

At the Vocational Training Center operated by JCIA in Phnom Penh, young Cambodians with disabilities are currently working hard to master skills as motorcycle mechanics, electronics engineers, and tailors.

These trainees have gathered from all over Cambodia with the determination to "acquire skills here and carve out a bright future for myself and my family." They are incredibly focused on their training.

However, they face a significant barrier.  In Cambodia today, very few shops hire individuals with disabilities.  So, for many, "starting their own shops" is the only viable path to earning a living.

Even after the hard work of mastering technical skills, it is still not enough to start a small business.  They need a set of tools, equipment, or sewing machines to start their shops. However, many cannot afford them, leaving them with no choice but to return to a life of hardship.

■ The Goal: Providing "Startup Tool Kits" to 30 Trainees of the 26th Program

The purpose of this project is clear: to provide the 30 trainees of the 26th Program of our vocational training course—who will complete their training this September—with a "Startup Tool Kit."  Our goal is to ensure they can become independent from the very day they graduate.

Past graduates who received these tools have opened small shops and are now successfully supporting their families as respected professionals.

■ Supporting those who "cannot try any harder" on their own

I will never forget the words a trainee once whispered to me:

"It's up to me to learn the skills. But there is nothing I can do to afford the tools."

When I heard those words, I knew we had to act.  We cannot stand to see someone's hard work lose its meaning simply because of their environment.

While I feel some anxiety about this first-time challenge, I sincerely hope to work with all of you to provide that "final push" to open up their future.

【Crowdfunding Details】

• Start Date: Monday, May 18, 2026, at 5:00 PM (JST)

• Target Goal: 1.8 million JPY

• Use of Funds: Purchase of startup tool kits for 30 individuals (motorcycle repair tools, sewing machines, etc.) *A portion will be used for administrative and management costs.

▼ View the preview page here:
https://readyfor.jp/projects/170485?sns_share_token=b746b98f22062d424a50&utm_source=pj_share_url&utm_medium=social

It would be incredibly encouraging if you could set a "launch notification" and wait for the start.

Also, we would be grateful if you could share this post to help spread their dreams. Your support will be a great source of strength for the youth of Cambodia!