Pottery

I think I mentioned before that I'm taking part in the "Omura City College" program, where we go around to different places in Omura and listen to a lecture about it. Today's activity was visiting a place where mentally and physically handicapped work. There are a variety to places around the city, but at the one I went to today the members made really nice pottery and good bread. The goods are sold at festivals and maybe even in stores. They make a specific horse shaped statuette that is apparently pretty famous. My friend walked in and exclaimed "I have that in my house!"

I didn't really understand the details of the operation, but it seems like handicapped people are trained at a certain skill and then work, when they otherwise would not be able to work. The work hours also allow them to go to rehab or to the hospital, whatever they need- so it's not as strict as normal jobs. Other facilities make pearl jewelry or farm.

It was a pretty cool experience, I had no idea these places existed. Some people asked me if we have similar things in America, but I don't really know. Good question!