Saipan mayor happy with homestay students’ visit

Saipan Mayor Marian DLG Tudela poses with four homestay students for the cultural exchange program from the International Youth Association of Japan Kokusai Seishonen Kenshu Kyokai group from Tokyo. Also in photo are the students’ chaperons and Tudela’s executive assistant Yuki Kishimoto and Joan Aquino of the Saipan Mayor’s Office. (Jayson Camacho)

Accompanied by her executive assistant Yuki Kishimoto and Joan Aquino of the Saipan Mayor’s Office, Tudela welcomed the four students.

The four homestay students are from the International Youth Association of Japan Kokusai Seishonen Kenshu Kyokai group from Tokyo and it was their second time visiting this year.

The four students are Yoshitaka Nishihara, 11, his brother Masato, 9, Tatsuki Onishi, 14, and Masato Nishihara, 9.

All four students were split into two groups and are staying with two host families. The students were guided by their chaperone Tomoki Moriya.

Tudela told the students that she was pleased with their visit during the holidays telling the four young students and their chaperone to enjoy the culture and history of Saipan.

“I am very happy for your visit and I welcome you on behalf of the community of Saipan to our islands and I hope you enjoy your stay,” Tudela said.

“It is always a great pleasure to welcome young visiting students from off island immersing themselves in the culture of the CNMI with the host families that take you students into their loving homes,” Tudela added.

The students then did a brief introduction.

Yoshitaka asked Tudela how she felt about being the first female mayor of Saipan and how it is to have all male mayors as her predecessors. Tudela said that she is very happy to be the mayor and that this time around its time that women show that they also can become leaders of the island.

The students visiting the island said that they enjoyed their Christmas before they left for Saipan.

“Before coming to Saipan we already celebrated Christmas. I miss my family but also enjoy the new host family,” Tatsuki said.

Moriya said that it was his third time on Saipan.

“It is always a good feeling coming to Saipan and visiting and very happy that the students have host families,” Moriya said.

Over the weekend the students enjoyed a swim at the Pacific Islands Club. They also spent time with their host families yesterday. Today, the students will visit Managaha Island and have a “sayonara” party in the evening. The students will then leave early tomorrow morning.

For more information on the homestay program or Japan trip, call the Saipan Mayor’s Office at 234-6208 or visit its office at the second floor of the Ladera Building along Beach Road in Oleai.