“Our exchange program is important and we must do our very best in ensuring its continuity and availability, not just for our students but for our entire community which has also greatly benefitted from it,” the mayor said.
He encouraged participating local students to share what they have learned from the program with their families, friends and fellow students.
Last week, the mayor’s office joined the celebration marking the 25th year of the cultural exchange program between Seisa High School of Japan and Marianas High School.
About 170 students, including teachers and school officials from Japan, participated in the annual program.
The visiting delegation, which departed Saipan on Sunday, was headed by Hajime Kaneko, principal of Seisa High School.
Flores said the exchange program opened up the doors of lasting friendship between Japan and Saipan.
“It is one of the programs that offer a great gift to our youth: the gift of experience,” he said.
New experiences open the minds of the youth, he added.
He said the exchange program has helped students of Saipan and Japan to have a better understanding and appreciation of each other’s cultures.
