Previous Story
Host families sought for visiting Japanese students
|
Posted on Jul 11 2019
The Saipan Mayor’s Office is looking for host families for visiting students from Japan.
Two Japanese groups will be visiting Saipan. The Sanpoen group will be here from July 27 to Aug 1. There will be a total of 10 students (ranging from ages 11 to 16 years old) and eight chaperones. The group is led by high priest Kansho Kayaki and his brother, Susumu Kayaki.
The students are scheduled to homestay for two days, July 28 and 30.
This trip will mark the group’s 41st annual visit to the CNMI. They will also be holding their annual lantern ceremony on July 28 at the Hopwood beach and the public is invited to help make the paper lanterns and to release them in the evening of the event.
The second group, the Kokusai Seishonen Kenshu Kyokai or International Youth Association of Japan, will be visiting from Aug 17 to 23. There will be a total of nine students (ranging from 11 to 13 years old) and a chaperone. Similar to the Sanpoen group, the KSKK group has been sending students to the CNMI for over 35 years now; this trip marks their 40th year, and they plan to celebrate their 40th anniversary this December.
The group will stay with the host family for the duration of their stay and the host family will be paid a small amount to help cover the expenses for the accommodation.
In return, the Sanpoen and KSKK groups invite Saipan students to visit Japan.
The Sanpoen trip to Japan is usually held in February and the KSKK trip is held in November every year. Unfortunately, both trips were cancelled this year due to Super Typhoon Yutu affecting the CNMI.
The Saipan Mayor’s Office is encouraging local families to volunteer as hosts since this is a great opportunity to create a lasting relationship with the people of Japan. Forms are available at the Saipan Mayor’s Office and in the office’s website: www.saipanmayor.net.
For families who are interested, contact the mayor’s office student exchange program coordinator through email at ykishimoto@mos.gov.mp or call (670) 234-6208.
