Youths depart for Japan in unique cultural exchange programme

Eleven young people from Vanuatu are attending a unique cultural exchange programme in Japan.

The programme is called the Ship for World Youth Programme (SWY) and is a unique once-in-a-lifetime programme funded by the government of Japan.

The programme aims at nurturing youths who can show leadership to execute social contribution activities in the area where Japan can show its strength.

Youths will also gain abilities to deal with different cultures, communication skills, leadership skills and management skills through having discussions, cultural exchanges and workshops that are organised by the participating youths themselves.

The ship will embark on a 34-day adventure around the world as part of an annual international exchange programme organised by Japan’s government.

Participants will start their Journey on 27 January by travelling around Japan before visiting other countries.

The young people who have been selected to attend the programme applied to participate and were  endorsed by the Department of Youth and Sports Development (DYSD), the VNYC, the DFA and JICA.

Young people who wish to part of such programmes must register with the Vanuatu National Youth Council (VNYC). Although SWY31 funding is covered by JICA, the DYSD, the VNYC and the Port Vila Municipal Council have also contributed in providing funds for the Vanuatu Delegates including logistic preparations.

The Vanuatu Youth Delegates to SWY31 for 2019 will be accompanied by Regianna Iakula from the VNYC Secretariat as National Leader representing the Ministry of Youth & Sports Development.

The JICA-funded youth exchange programme in 2019 marks the fourth time Vanuatu will participate in the Ship for World Youth Programme.

Vanuatu has participated in the earlier programmes of SWY20, SWY21 and SWY23.

 

Author: 
Tensly Sumbe