“Appreciation Festivals” to be held successively at Work Happiness Farms nationwide, with approximately 200 people attending in Yokosuka

エスプールプラス, which supports the employment of people with disabilities, has been holding appreciation festivals at Work Happiness Farms nationwide to promote interaction among stakeholders. This event was held to mark the first anniversary of Yokosuka Farm. The festivals aim to strengthen ties among local welfare service providers and other stakeholders involved with employees, and to create an environment that supports long-term employment.

Approximately 110 people with disabilities are employed at Yokosuka Farm, and attendance reached approximately 200. Musical performances included pieces such as “My Neighbor Totoro,” “The Path of Wind” and “The Sound of Music,” followed by an encore performance of “Jounetsu Tairiku,” which prompted audience members to clap along. Local welfare service providers also sold confectionery, creating opportunities to promote interaction and improve wages through sales.

An information-sharing meeting for 11 user companies was held concurrently, with examples and initiatives related to employment quality and the future operation of the farms shared among participants. Participants gained an opportunity to learn from other companies’ examples and intended to apply the insights to their own future employment of people with disabilities.

The company plans to continue holding appreciation festivals at each farm and to promote initiatives that deepen interaction and mutual understanding among people involved with the farms. Through the operation of Work Happiness Farms, it aims to expand employment options for people with disabilities, strengthen ties with local communities and create an environment where people can work safely and securely over the long term.