Okayama Prefectural International Exchange Foundation
1. What are Communication Aid Volunteers?
“I have a meeting with my teacher but I’m afraid I won’t understand.”
“I need to go to the city hall, but will I understand what they are saying to me?”
Communication Aid Volunteers are interpretation volunteers who are dispatched free of charge to offer support to non-Japanese speakers in communication at places like schools and government facilities. (Note: This is not a written translation or administrative assistance service)
2. How can I use this service?
This service will be offered on a trial basis during the time period stated below. Those interested should obtain a “Communication Aid Volunteer Request Form,” fill in the necessary information and submit it by mail, fax or in person at the Okayama International Center 1F reception desk to the Okayama Prefectural International Exchange Association (OPIEF). Applications forms should be submitted at least one week in advance during the reception period. (Note: Service availability depends on requested content and volunteers’ schedules)
Trial Period: July 2009 to January 2010 (dates subject to change)
Reception Period: Mondays to Saturdays during the abovementioned Trial Period(except December 29 – January 3)
Note: The number of dispatches for the trial period has been set to 35. Service will be discontinued if number of dispatches reaches 35 before end of trial period)
Please submit application forms to:
Okayama Prefectural International Exchange Foundation
Okayama International Center, 1F Reception Desk
2-2-1 Hokan-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, 700-0026
Tel: 086-256-2914 Fax: 086-256-2489 Email: info@opief.or.jp
Attention: Takahashi, Nishisaka or Yun
3. Who can use this service?
This service may be used by any foreign national with residence in Okayama Prefecture. Please confirm with OPIEF beforehand if service in desired language is available.
4. Does this service cost any money?
This service is free of charge and does not cost any money. Fees necessary for the volunteer’s dispatch will be borne by OPIEF, however, personal fees for things such as government-related administrative procedures are the responsibility of the applicant.
5. Miscellaneous – Applicants must agree to the following:
Applicants are not to exchange personal contact information such as addresses and telephone
numbers with Communication Aid Volunteers. If applicants wish to get in contact with volunteers,
they are required to do so through OPIEF. Applicants who desire a volunteer’s service again are
required to fill out another application form.
Neither OPIEF nor volunteers are responsible for any damages incurred by the applicant during
the Communication Aid Volunteer’s dispatch.
Link:
http://www.opief.or.jp/050_foreign/comm_vol_fr_e.pdf
http://www.opief.or.jp/050_foreign/comm_vol_fr_sh_e.pdf
