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Japanese youth thanks Saipan hosts
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Posted on Jul 30 2004
The International Youth Association of Japan or KSKK left Saipan yesterday after the student cultural exchange program wrapped up its 25th year on the island.
Some 22 students, 8-14 years of age, and a chaperone spent a week on island with local host families. Their weekends, however, were spent sightseeing and shopping in the Garapan area, where local host students joined them.
Maya Honda, who served as chaperon for the kids, enjoyed her stay in the Commonwealth.
“I love Saipan, especially the food. The people [are] very kind,” she said.
She also plans on visiting Saipan again. “I want to come back and visit, I want to live in Saipan. I love the ocean and everything,” she added.
Honda was sponsored by Olinka Chaudhry, youth program coordinator for the Saipan Mayor’s Office.
Marie Takahashi, KSKK student, said she enjoys the island snacks and the dancing. Takahashi was sponsored by Frances Lizama.
The KSKK also said it is important to give the youth the skills they need to live well in the global society.
“We feel it is extremely important that our young people have positive associations with the young people of other nations,” KSKK added.
The children in the cultural exchange performed activities including outdoor camping, canoeing, rice planting, and visiting high schools.
The KSKK was established on Nov. 1973 to promote intercommunication between the youth of Japan and other countries. The non-profit organization strengthens the mutual friendship between Japan and other countries and cultivates the international spirit of the youth through communal living and other common experiences.
In a similar event, the Mayor’s Office will be sending about 15 students to Tokyo by mid-October. Parents of the children are required to provide the airline tickets and assure their child has a valid passport.
KSKK and host families will provide meals, transportation, and accommodation for the children. It also marks the 25th year Saipan will be sending its students for a cultural exchange in Japan.
