The students take in the sight of Bird Island.
(Saipan Mayor’s Office) — Last week, Saipan Mayor RB Camacho hosted 12 students and one chaperone from the KSKK International Youth Exchange Association Group of Japan who were here for a one week visit.
The students stayed with host families and took part in various activities and events with an emphasis on education and cultural exchange.
The students visited several historical sites on island such as Banzai Cliff, Suicide Cliff, the CNMI Museum, as well as the Last Command Post.
Cultural exchange was a major theme of the program so the students paid a visit to the Manamko’ Center where they performed for and interacted with the local manamko’ while introducing them to Japanese culture.
500 Sails CNMI also hosted the students at their boathouse in Lower Base where they demonstrated the canoe making process. They also explained the history behind the canoes and the meaning of each vessel.
At the Joeten Kiyu Public Library, the students were given a tour of the facility by library staff who also engaged the students in a variety of creative activities.
In addition, JKPL demonstrated the local way of making tempura and apipi.
Aside from learning about the island, the kids also took time to enjoy its recreational amenities like the Saipan World Resort Wave Jungle.
On the last day, the students and their host families were treated to a farewell dinner hosted by the Saipan Mayor’s Office where they had the chance to sample local delicacies like BBQ, red rice, chicken kelaguen, and other dishes.
Mayor Camacho and the 19th CNMI Youth Congress then handed out certificates of appreciation to each of the students.
“This is my first time to host students from Japan and I am filled with so my joy,” the mayor said. “These students showed eagerness, friendship, and willing to learn our cultures. In addition, I would like to thank the host families for welcoming these students into your homes and sharing our way of life through our cultures,” he added.
Members of the 19th Youth Congress also encouraged the kids to come back anytime and encourage their family and friends to visit Saipan.
Mayor Camacho expressed his desire to see these exchange programs continue on a more frequent basis with even more groups participating.
The mayor believes these types of programs are beneficial in establishing close ties with our neighboring countries.
The visiting students were very grateful for the opportunity and each of them individually gave their thanks and gave some good words.
Nao Saito, the students’ 21-year-old chaperone, said, “We will never forget this wonderful experience. I love Saipan!”
For more information, contact the Saipan Mayor’s office at (670) 234-6208. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office is also open through lunch.
The KSKK students perform for the manamko’.
The students share Japanese cultural crafts with the manamko’.
The students are shown historical exhibits at the Joeten Kiyu Public Library by its staff.
Saipan Mayor RB Camacho and the CNMI youth senators hand out the certificates of appreciation to the exchange students during a farewell dinner.
