(MVA) — A student delegation led by the Marianas Visitors Authority returned on Wednesday from Fukuoka, Japan, after participating in the 22nd Annual Asian Pacific Children’s Convention.
The convention, held on July 18-27, invited children from the Asia-Pacific region to Fukuoka, Japan as “junior ambassadors.”
The goal of the convention was to improve each child’s international understanding through intercultural exchange programs, such as home-stays, school visits, and exchange camps.
This year’s junior ambassadors from the CNMI were Kassandra Tudela Royal and Jezreelyn Y. Bulaklak, who were chaperoned by Tasia S. Bocago of MVA.
This year’s convention theme was, “We are the BRIDGE: We connect dreams around the world.”
The APCC works to generate appreciation for the cultures of other nations, with the aim of promoting mutual understanding and friendship to nurture international awareness in young people.
The students lived with Japanese host families, taking part in day-to-day activities and learning about Japanese culture.
In addition, the junior ambassadors learned about other cultures represented at the convention, when each regional delegation shared a cultural presentation with their counterparts.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for these children,” said MVA community programs manager Martin Duenas. “We hope that each junior ambassador will bring back an increased awareness of our global interconnections, and that they will share this with their friends and families.”
The APCC was founded in 1989 by the Fukuoka Junior Chamber.
The annual convention hosts children from more than 30 countries and regions throughout the Asian-Pacific area.
This year, over 300 children from 46 Asian locales will attend, including representatives from the Northern Marianas, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Tahiti, Australia, Hawaii, the Philippines, and Guam.
For more information about the annual convention, contact MVA’s Frank Tudela at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 664-3200.
