ISAAC MARTY
Sixteen students from various elementary and high schools in Japan were among a delegation of 25 that visited Majuro recently for the annual Japan and Marshall Islands Student Exchange Program funded by the Japan Embassy.
According to group leader Director Nobuhiro Yasuura, they were part of a larger group that came out of Japan. When they separate in Guam, two other groups went to Palau and Chuuk. The exchange program with the Marshall Islands was established in 2002.
Upon arriving the island, the group settled into the Marshall Islands Resort. There they started their first day with lectures on various topics before going out to the Peace Park Memorial site. The second day had all the Japanese, and Marshallese students who went to Japan, escaped to Kalal En Island for snorkeling, singing, and dancing experiences. Following their return on the weekend the Japanese kids went to spend one-night with their local host families. Many of them got to experience more Marshallese lifestyle with church, language, and the local food. Some local families said they too had a wonderful time.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Bruce Kijiner, Resources and Development Minister Alfred Alfred Jr., and Japan Ambassador Hideyuki Mitsuoka, all expressed appreciation to supporters from both countries and encourage the kids to treasure these memories and continue their learning, during the farewell ceremony.
Entertainment, food, performances, and rocking the dance floor were had. The coconut dance, confirmed Yasuura, will be among things they will be presenting at Narita Airport, Japan, when they get back.
Read more about this in the August 26, 2016 edition of the Marshall Islands Journal.