NYK Line has been actively supporting JOICFP in international cooperation activities by providing free transportation of items, such as reconditioned bicycles, to developing countries since 2000.

On their way; bicycles being shipped by NYK to Africa

Nothing is wasted. This UMATI office in Tanzania
was constructed from shipping containers
in which bicycles were delivered

On 29th October, JOICFP held a public reading session of the book Pika-Pika at the NYK Maritime Museum in Yokohama. JOICFP first showed a video on its "safe delivery kit" explaining how the simple items can be used to deliver a baby where there is no electricity, running water or doctor.

The JOICFP speakers emphasized that although the kit can save mothers' and children's lives, it has to be available. In other words, actually getting it to people by, for example, bicycle is important.

A demonstration in Zambia shows
how two bicycles make an 'ambulance'
to carry people in need to clinics

This was followed by a reading of Pika-Pika, with JOICFP informing the public that although the story is a novel it is based on real life and is a valuable education tool for children.

JOICFP staff also informed the public how they could assist in cooperation activities by collecting used stamps and un-posted Japanese postcards. JOICFP uses money from the sale of these items to pay for transportation costs of bicycles etc. from the ports to which NYK delivers to the project sites.

Members of the public listen eagerly
at the reading of Pika-Pika