Students off to Japan to promote NMI

Twenty students from various schools boarded Japan Airlines yesterday afternoon en route to Tokyo as part of an annual cultural exchange program headed by the Saipan Mayor’s Office and the KSKK-International Students Association of Japan.

Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela, who was present at the Francisco C. Ada-Saipan International Airport to bid the students farewell, said the trip will not only provide Commonwealth youths a chance to experience the way of life in Japan, but also to promote the NMI as well.

“The program is very exciting for both our students and the Japanese students because they get to interact with each other,” he said. “Our students will learn the Japanese cultures and traditions, build relationships, and while they’re there, will be ambassadors for Saipan and the NMI. Host families and others whom they’ll meet will learn about Saipan, and hopefully, they will take it upon themselves to visit our island in the future.”

Taking part in the exchange program are Sonia Castro, Ryan Borja, Michael Kim, Kanani Sablan, Adrian Concepcion, Kyle Borja, Vincent Tudela, Nico Techur, Jarleen Matagolai, Keone Macaranas, Paila Mendiola, Winnoa Camacho, Leslie Elameto, Jayvan Tarkon, Jude Blas, Juliana Lontoc, Joe Ayuyu Jr., Aljay Gonzales, Remy Marie Gonzales, and Naomi Camacho.

The students from Saipan Southern High School, Marianas High School, Chacha Oceanview Junior High School, San Vicente Elementary School, and Mt. Carmel School were accompanied by chaperones Marian Tudela, Susana Mafnas, and Mayor’s office representative David Rosario.

The students would spend a week in Tokyo, visiting various schools, government agencies, and Disneyland. Tudela said they are also scheduled to meet the prime minister of Japan.

Tudela said that since taking office in 2002, the number of Saipan students participating in the program has increased. He said the students’ first hand experience would be very “worthwhile.”

In July, 22 students from the KSKK were hosted on Saipan and toured various tourists hot spots, as well as the Office of the Governor.

The trip marks the 25th anniversary of the program, which began in 1979.

Aside from travel expense and pocket money, all other expenses, including lodging, food, and transportation, would be covered by the host families and organizers.

A non-profit organization, the KSSK was founded in 1973 to further develop and enhance activities for international companionship between the youth of Japan and other nations.

The Mayor’s Office also coordinates another exchange program with another Japanese organization.

Meanwhile, Tudela said his office is currently working on including an exchange program between Saipan and other islands within Micronesian. He said a program involving students from Pohnpei would begin next year.