JCCU in cooperation with Co-opdeli Consumers’ Co-operative Union and Miyagi Co-op organized the ICA-AP Training Program for Managers of Consumer Co-ops for 5 co-operative managers from three Asian countries. The program lasted for 14 days, from July 16 to 29, 2018, mainly focusing on store business. The participants were Ms. JUANILLO Jennifer Dela Rosa, Mr. KONG Tuck Seng, and Mr. Joseph FONG Yee Sze from NTUC FairPrice, Mr. DESAWALE Manoj Govindrao from Shree Warana Vibhag Sahakari Grahak Mandal Ltd., and Mr. KIM Youngsun from Dure Consumer Co-operative Federation.

In this training program, through lectures, store training and tour of co-op facilities, the trainees learned extensively about the productivity improvement of co-op store business, staff training, how members voice are incorporated in co-op business and “Sanchoku” business that connects producers with consumers and contribute to the economic development of the community and the society as a whole. For more details about “Sanchoku” ,see our “Sanchoku” brochure).

At Co-opdeli, the group received explanation about co-op welfare business and inspected one of their elderly housing with supportive services, as well as visiting a co-op store.

Trainees receiving explanation at Co-op Mirai store

At Miyagi Co-op, along with visiting a co-op store, participants received lectures in the areas of store operation, home delivery, personnel education and co-op members' activities. They also visited Miyagi Co-op’s reference library for the Great East Japan Earthquake to learn the support provided by Miyagi Co-op and Co-ops nationwide after the disaster and the situation of the recovery exercise.

Visit to producers

At the end of the training, a debriefing was held at Miyagi Co-op Head Office and participants reported on what they learned during the training period and their future action plan to improve their business environment upon returning home.

Trainees (holding certificate of completion) and Miyagi Co-op staff pose for a group picture after the final briefing session