Volume 19 (September 2011)

SWY NEWS Published by the Cabinet Office, Government of Japan

CONTENTS: Great East Japan Earthquake Relief Efforts P. 2-4 Report from SWY23 P. 5 Post-Program Initiatives P. 6-9 Updates from Ex-PYs P. 10-11 SWYAA GA in Egypt P. 12 Great East Japan Earthquake Relief Efforts

Activities by International Youth Exchange Organization of Japan (IYEO) IYEO has been engaged in relief efforts since the Great East Japan far, JPY11,788,954 has been raised (as of September 9, 2011). These Earthquake hit on March 11, 2011. After confirming the safety of funds have been used for immediate relief activities to purchase the IYEO members who live in the affected areas, IYEO offered relief necessary goods to be sent to the victims of the disaster, as well as to supplies to those in immediate need, and after a few months, shifted its provide financial support to the IYEO members whose houses were activities to implementing unique programs focusing on mental health severely damaged. Messages and condolences sent to the Japanese care for elderly people and children in the affected areas. Donations people through the IYEO and SWYAA network have also been have been collected from different groups and organizations, and thus uploaded on the IYEO website. http://www.iyeo.or.jp/en/index.html

Activities by the IYEO Members in the Affected Areas IYEO Iwate IYEO Iwate members are uniting their strength to work on a variety of general assembly, talked about relief activities. In March, as a first step, they tried to confirm the relief action policies and future safety of IYEO members, delivered relief supplies, prepared meals action plans, and agreed that outdoors at the evacuation center, and helped with group evacuations. they would work together on a From April 11-17, 15 members supported “Reconstruction Support long-term basis. At the end of Project Onboard Fuji Maru,” sponsored by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines as June, the “IYEO Café Project” was implemented, supported by the local staff. On May 5, the members volunteered cleaning at a fish Japan Foundation ROAD project aid. It is aimed at providing a processing plant. The tsunami hit the second floor of the building relaxing space for the afflicted people in the evacuation centers: to and flooded it with water. They carried out all the damaged materials provide them a place to sit and chat together to ease their minds, even and did the roof demolition work to prepare for restoration. On May though it may take a long time for this to happen. 15, more than 30 IYEO members assembled for the IYEO Iwate

IYEO Miyagi Just after the earthquake, the In July and August, IYEO Miyagi organized “Onsen (hot spring) IYEO Miyagi board members Tours” for the staff from the Ishinomaki Municipal Hospital and came together, and since then, their families. The tours were successful with the support of they have been involved in a IYEO Yamagata, and the participants enjoyed relaxing in onsen to variety of relief activities and reenergize. have donated relief supplies to the devastated areas, such as the 2. Support for Katsura Island, Urato Island chain Ishinomaki Municipal Hospital, IYEO Miyagi members have been continually visiting the island supported by IYEO headquarters where 200 people live, offering resources for reconstruction and the other prefectural IYEO branches. The activities which IYEO assistance. Electricity was finally restored 50 days after the Miyagi are engaged in are as follows: earthquake. Though oyster farming was restarted around the same 1. Support for Ishinomaki Municipal Hospital time, many people have left the island for school or work. The IYEO Miyagi continually donates relief supplies to the hospital, remaining residents of the island are elderly people, fishermen, and where a member of IYEO Miyagi works. This hospital was hit by people who can live on the 2nd floor of their houses. By mid- the tsunami and the building was severely damaged. In the May, the number of displaced residents living in the evacuation interim, the city hall is being used to treat patients with mild center rose to 40. Building regular relocation facilities in the illnesses. Food distribution to the city stopped in May, which has school playground has started earlier than planned. IYEO Miyagi caused economical and psychological challenges for the staff who will support Katsura Island continually, including activities for PR also lost their homes and family members in the disaster. Through to recharge the tourism industry. Miyagi IYEO also held the the hospital staff, appropriate relief supplies have been given to general assembly on July 23, and pledged their continued support municipal government staff, two other municipal hospitals that for communities such as the Ishinomaki Municipal Hospital and the were hit by the tsunami, and many patients and afflicted people. Katsura Island community.

Fune-to-Tsubasa-no-Kai Fukushima (IYEO Fukushima) Since after the earthquake, Fune-to-Tsubasa-no-Kai Fukushima has 2. Offering school supplies been involved in a variety of relief activities, mainly offering relief A variety of school supplies, collected through the IYEO network, supplies through the NPO “The People” in Iwaki city. To meet their were delivered to the children of Soma city. The children who needs, a variety of supplies has been sent, such as daily necessities, received these school supplies were those who were transferred to clothes, food, medicine, and sanitary goods. an elementary school near the evacuation center in Fukushima city. 3. Hand sewn duster project for reconstruction Other activities by Fune-to-Tsubasa-no-Kai Fukushiminclude: “Riyo Himawari-no-kai,” the barber’s association in Yamaguchi 1. Preparing meals outdoors in the evacuation center prefecture and other organizations donated many towels. Fune-to- Fune-to-Tsubasa-no-Kai Fukushima has been providing supplies to Tsubasa-no-Kai Fukushima members came up with an idea to make evacuation centers in various towns and places such as high schools them into hand sewn dusters and sell them. The earnings will be in Fukushima city, afflicted people in Namie town, and an afflicted used to support the victims of the earthquake and tsunami. children’s school in Soma city, etc. The members are cooking and 4. International Understanding Educational Support Project providing 700 meals once a week for the people living in the With the support of IYEO headquarters and the NPO NICE (Never- evacuation center in Azuma Park in Fukushima city. A variety of ending International work Camps Exchange), Fune-to-Tsubasa-no- food is offered to meet the people’s needs, such as fresh salad, Kai Fukushima will organize an International Understanding strawberries, pickles, potato salad, vegetable soup, miso soup, and Educational Support Project for the afflicted children in Fukushima sukiyaki. city in October.

0 2 Relief Activities by SWYAA around the World SWY Australia gratitude and solidarity towards Japan. People sold food, did origami figures, there were concerts the entire day, sold Japanese souvenirs, etc. Some of ex-PYs who have nowadays high positions in the Government helped to organize this event. Also, members of the SWYAA from different batches offered themselves as volunteers in their stand to do diverse things and raise money for Japan. SWYAA raised US$2,000, and the entire event raised US$100,000.

SWYAA Ecuador The SWYAA Ecuador joined efforts with the Consulate General of Japan in Guayaquil in order to raise funds. The Consul offered to 1. The Darwin Youth for Japanese Disaster Relief, Australia match our donations up to US$300. They started spreading the word The Darwin Youth for Japanese Disaster Relief, founded and and donations from Ecuadorian ex-PYs came from USA, Chile, coordinated by Anania Tagaro (SWY23), is a temporary youth-led, European countries and from inside Ecuador as well. Ecuador is a youth working group dedicated to assisting the victims of the small country but they have a great admiration for the people of Japan earthquakes and tsunamis that have devastated the country of Japan. and they are grateful for the SWY program. They delivered a The main aims of this group are to: donation for US$1,050 at the Embassy of Japan in Quito. The • Raise community awareness of the dire consequences currently Ambassador himself sent his deep gratitude for such efforts. This is facing the Japanese people due to this crisis. the beginning, as help needs to continue to rebuild Japan. • Coordinate and run events and activities to fundraise money to be sent to the International Youth Exchange Organization of Japan (IYEO) – all of which will go straight to the victims of the EASWY (Egypt) disasters. EASWY members went to the Japanese Embassy and met the Head of • Strengthen the skills and capacity of youth within Darwin to take the Information and Culture Center leadership roles within the community. Mr. Takagaki and Ms. Hiroshima, • Show support for, increase cooperation with, and build hope for and presented their condolences for the people of Japan. all the victims of the earthquake that They have had several major fund-raising events such as the Onigiri did hit our beloved Japan. These (Rice-Ball) Making, Community Cultural Dinner & Performance are Egyptian people’s messages to Night, an Ultimate Raffle, as well as several smaller fundraising Japan at the Japanese Embassy. activities at various events around the Darwin area. Since they began in mid-March 2011, they have raised approximately AU$9,000 for the victims of the Japanese disaster, all of which will be forward to the SWYAA Greece IYEO after their last fundraising event in July. On March 25, two Japanese graduates of SWY22, Kazuto Matsuda and Megumi Sekiguchi attended a gathering event of the 2nd Scout 2. JAFA (Japan Australia Friendship Association), Australia Troop of Papagos/Athens, where they had the opportunity to play, sing Aimee Weir (SWY23) had a cupcake stall at the “Kodomonohi” and craft traditional Japanese origami along with the scouts as well as festival in Adelaide in May. She and her friends and family spent inform both children and their parents about the situation in their over 12 hours baking over 300 cupcakes and folding 200 paper cranes homeland these recent days. The cub scouts (children between 7-11 for Red Cross Japan Earthquake appeal. They raised over AU$800. years old) wrote Although they had aimed for AU$1,000, did enough to spread the messages of message to people and encourage them to donate more after they had sympathy and their cake. painted optimistic drawings, which were given to the SWYAA Canada two young Japanese SWYAA Canada has decided that it will donate US$10,000 to the and will be posted IYEO Great East Japan Earthquake fund to help in the present disaster at schools in Tokyo. and in the many months and years of work that will be needed to help Furthermore, the Tohoku area back on its feet. We have been very fortunate Sophie Spitha during the application process for the SWY ships to collect an (SWY2), the vice application fee, and haven’t had many things to spend those money’s president of the on in-between programs. We owe our experience and SWY Greek Association of Ikebana of Ohara School (Japan) has organized community to the Japanese, and the IYEO, so it seemed only natural an exhibition of Japanese traditional art Ikebana “In Memoriam” of to give back. As alumni, we are going to continue to collect from our the victims lost by the tragedy in Japan and as a gesture of sympathy different sources (personal and business’ where we work) and hope to by the Greeks towards the Japanese People, on May 18 in Athens. be able to give more in the coming months.

SWYAA India SWYAA Costa Rica Underprivileged children from the slums surrounding the industrial SWYAA Costa Rican participated in area in Delhi wrote messages for the children of Japan. These “Arigato Day: Ticos for Japan,” children study in Open Schools of SWYAA India supported by Canon which was held on March 20 in the India Private Limited. SWYAA India has started 13 Open Schools National Culture Centre of Costa educating 1,300 disadvantaged children who have never been to Rica. This event was organized in school. Students had earlier presented 1,000 cranes to the then only three days and more than 10,000 Ambassador of Japan, which is still displayed at the entrance of the people were there to help Japan. Embassy of Japan in New Delhi. Different NGOs who have had contact with Japan were there to express their 0 3 50 children visited the Embassy of Japan on March 23, 2011 to offer SWYAA Spain their prayers in the memory of the victims of the Great East Japan One week after the earthquake and the tsunami, SWYAA Spain Earthquake and recorded their message in the book of condolence. organized a fund raising activity in Girona, Spain. In collaboration Children presented a with the language center, NIPPONIA, in which Carme Feliu Latorre scroll with their (SWY13) teaches Japanese language and culture, they folded 1,000 messages and a display paper cranes with encouraging and support messages. After reaching board bearing their 1,000 cranes, the message and palm teachers put the crane impressions to Mr. together in strings to Kojiro Uchiyama, form Senbazuru, and Director of Japan sent them to hang it at Information Center cum Ishinomaki Municipal counselor, Embassy of Hospital, with the help Japan. of Miyuki Ise (SWY13). The event was opened to SWYAA Oman citizens of all ages in SWYAA Oman proposed for the Ministry of Sports Affairs of its Girona. Participants intention to do a Solidarity Walk with the Japanese people for raising ranged from young kids who folded cranes for the first time in their relief funds for the victims of Japanese Tsunami. The Ministry lives to adults. More than a hundred people participated, 600 paper welcomed the idea and gave its full support with the Alumni and cranes were made in the 2 hours of the event. The remaining 400 started to make contacts with the companies and people who share were folded in the last 5 minutes of their language classes on the anything with Japan. They sent letters to look for donators and following week. The local stationery company Comercial Paperera sponsors for this big event. Also, they invited the Japanese also contributed to the event by giving us for free 1,000 origami paper community in Oman to for the cranes. attend the event and the Japanese Embassy to SWYAA Sweden participate with them as On April 9, 2011, members of SWYAA Sweden performed “Soran- guest of honors. They Dance” at three different central places (two squares and one historic made design of T-shirts site) in Gothenburg, to send strength to Japan and to encourage and sold them for the Swedish people to support Japan. 18 members (SWY10, SWY18, participants, as well as and SWY23) from all over the country gathered, and there were getting a lot of stuff for estimated 700 viewers. Most of the members in SWYAA Sweden sell and doing a small changed their profile pictures at facebook to the Japanese flag in order cheap Bazaar. to show our support. Also, they have been in contact with the Japanese Embassy in Stockholm to offer their support and to forward The slogan was “Solidarity Together.” There were more than 500 their condolences. participants, including mass media, a lot of Omani celebrity, famous sports men and women. The Ambassador of Japan, the Under SWYAA Turkey Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Under Secretary of Since collecting money without official permission is illegal in Ministry of Sports Affairs also attended. They managed to collect Turkey, ex-PYs found a way to collect money in a manner which they approximately US$15,000 from selling and donation. The donation can attract attention to Japanese culture while collecting money “Sushi will go to Japan through the Japanese Embassy to Oman. Workshop.” Sushi workshops were held six times: four times in

Ankara, once in Istanbul and once in Konya. In the workshops, ex- SWYAA Peru PYs taught how to make sushi and then the participants rolled their Akiyo Morita and Yoshu Urano (SWY21, Japan) visited Lima, and own sushi with the ingredients they wanted to try. While the Czarina Moreno (SWY21, Peru) who is a teacher at Villa Alarife participants were rolling their sushi, ex-PYs explained about the SWY School talked to her school principal to welcome them. They program and the catastrophic results of the earthquake and tsunami. organized some activities to send all their love and hope to friends in In this way, both sushi and the endless friendship born in the ship Japan. The activity started early in the morning and all the students which directed ex-PYs to organize such events, impressed the listened to Akiyo, asked some questions and learned a few words in participants very much. In total 88 people attended the sushi Japanese, and made paper cranes. The students and teachers wrote workshops: 58 in Ankara, 26 in Istanbul, and 4 in Konya. They messages in the cranes wings encouraging Japan. After a long day, managed to collect approximately TL3,000, which is nearly Akiyo took all the paper cranes to sew them all together. JPY161,000.

Two days later, Akiyo and Yoshu come back to the school to show all the students how all their work made around 600 cranes that was going to make many Japanese kids happy. But they ended up more surprised when the Pizarro family, with three children in the school, showed up with 400 paper cranes made at home with all their family members and friends. They could not believe they reached more than 1,000 paper cranes. They delivered all cranes to the Japanese-Peruvian Association that was in charge of collecting them in Lima, Peru.

0 4 Making Friends across the Pacific – A Report from SWY23 –

Carolina Hawranek (Sweden)

Fascinating people, linguistic challenges, creative wake-up-calls and Since leaving the ship we have performed Soran in public places in incomprehensible admin rules. You all know what makes the Paris in France, Gothenburg in Sweden and Mariehamn in Finland. SWY-experience so special. On the SWY23 program, another Footages of Soran dances are popping up from ex-PY’s all around the ambitious load of youth crossed the Pacific equator twice, but the world – keep it up dear friends! borders of familiarity and cultural comfort were revisited many times over. Pacific cooperation, kava and smelly koalas Naturally, all stops and ports of call were tremendously fascinating. Just as many before me, I quickly realised what a unique experience In Honiara, Solomon Islands, we got a fantastic reception by the local we had been honored to take part in. I do not think I will ever again SWY alumni. In Suva, Fiji, the official program was fully packed. have the chance to travel and socialise in such a diverse setting. For Following traditional Yaqona Vakaturaga ceremony in the Civic Center, this I am forever in dept to the Government of Japan for inviting me my group visited the Secretariat of Pacific Community. This was a onboard this cultural exchange where we’ve made friends and great example of an organisation working to spread research and local memories for life. knowledge to benefit the countries in the region. The afternoon visit to a local Found the program by chance community educational center made a big In August 2010 I had never heard of impression on me. I remember SWY. It was only by chance that I thinking; I could come back to volunteer happened to came across a modest here any day! notice by the Japanese Embassy in Stockholm calling for applicants. My In Brisbane, Australia, the great husband was quick to warn me not to four-day-program could not have been apply – “or else you’re sure to be better, although a lot of last minute picked to go” he said. Six months changes had to be made due to the later I was on a plane to Tokyo, devastating floods only three weeks prior together with the carefully selected to our arrival. Our visit included Swedish delegation. Over 200 people Aboriginal Cultural Night, petting had applied to be in one of those seats. endemic animals (some quite smelly) and The Swedish SWYAA had fortunately a taste of beach life and life guarding. prepared us well, even though it had been six years since they themselves Outside Port Vila in Vanuatu, many of the boarded the SWY-ship. participants enjoyed their most adventurous outing with a hike up the Similarities, challenges and new insights breathtaking Mele Cascades. Finally, Naha swept us off our feet One would think that 300 people of twelve nationalities from all with the unique culture of Okinawa, quite different from the Japanese. around the world would result in a very heterogeneous group. This was not always the case. The various activities brought out Future projects and the great challenge for the SWY program similarities in a number of fields. The speech contest was a hit. As the ship sailed closer to our final port in Tokyo, the future Arabic tea parties spread in the halls at night. International teams endeavors of PY’s came into focus. Ideas flowed, merged and were formed randomly for the soccer tournament. During a voluntary carried off the ship. As a professional communicator, I could not seminar on religion we found more things in common between the help but to imagine the large potential of an organised world religions than anyone anticipated, even though we lacked Hindu SWY-community globally and therefore joined the team discussing and Jewish representatives. Similarities also surfaced during boys future communication. We understand that there has been many and girls nights. Many ideas and views were shared by people from efforts to establish a functional SWY-community in the past, but the the most varied backgrounds, leaving me with a sense of hope and need for a good communication channel between ex-PYs, SWYAA warmth. and IYEO, government staff, and future participants only grow stronger each year. I will therefore continue my efforts to develop The academic side of the program, the Course Discussions, proved to communication channels and future visual appearance to support the be of various levels. However, Advisor Mike Lafleur made an program and highlight all those fantastic activities completed by my excellent job in the Education Course, of which I was a member. SWY-family worldwide. Ex-PYs are indeed contributing to their Hearing about teacher’s challenges around the globe and sharing communities as we speak – the challenge now is to show that all these views on educational methods was rewarding. However, efforts are indeed changing the world for the better. understanding how traditional the Japanese educational system and labor market still are came to me as a bit of a shock.

New obsession started in Ibaraki Club Activities onboard SWY23 ranged from Rafiki Club, Arabic language school, Solomon traditional art, Wadaiko drums, Yosakoi dance, Japanese tea ceremony and much, much more. Our fellow PYs had indeed filled the agenda with cultural adventures to choose from – but there was one thing we Swedes could not miss out on. On our first night of the Local Program in Ibaraki prefecture, a professional dance team performed the Soran-bushi as part of a welcome ceremony. We were totally amazed! So, a few weeks into the program we proclaimed to our Japanese friends; We will not leave Fuji Maru unless you teach us how to dance. Soran-fever spread aboard. Soon we had Brazilians, Fijians, Mexicans, Australians and Tanzanians line up to dance. Several talented JPYs, took on the coaching. We spent a number of afternoon, evening and late night hours trying to get the moves right...dokkoisho, dokkoisho....se-ha, se-ha, SWY, SWY!

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Post-Program Initiatives Post-Program Activities Session onboard SWY23

Three representatives of the International Youth Exchange Organization of Japan (IYEO), Daisuke Kimura (SWY16), Yu Kobayashi (SWY20), and Monday, February 14 (Session 1) Makiko Kojima (SWY21) joined the SWY23 program from February 11 Introduction of the Post-Program Activities Sessions to 17, 2011, to conduct the Post-Program Activities Promotion Sessions. 9:30 – 10:25 - Ice breaking (Quiz on SWY/ SWYAA) - Introduction of ex-PYs on board SWY23 Objectives: Two Post-Program Activities Promotion Sessions were implemented 10:25 – 10:45 Introduction of SWY Café, SWYAA Bulletin Board onboard with the following goals in mind: Small group sessions To give profound information on the international youth exchange 11:00 – 12:15 programs operated by the Cabinet Office and to the activities of the - Presentations on post-program activities by ex-PYs SWYAAs and the IYEO to the SWY23 PYs. Wednesday, February 16 (Session 2) To provide opportunities for the PYs to reflect on SWY23 program, Wrap up of the Session 1 to exchange and share ideas among PYs in order to achieve their own 9:30 – 10:25 Reflection session goals for the remaining days on the ship, and to start thinking about - Reflecting their own experience their post-program activities. Small group session To present examples of post-program activities by the alumni who 10:40 – 11:40 - PYs having same interests discuss their ideas for were on board as advisors, National Leaders and administrative staff, possible post-program activities so that participating youth will also engage in various endeavors that Summary of the Post-Program Activities Sessions contribute to society through the SWYAA, after they disembark. - Share action plans with other PYs 11:50 – 12:15 To communicate the importance of developing activities that best - Future communication with IYEO, SWYAA utilize and link various networks, such as the SWYAA and - Explanation of Future Post organizations to which the participating youth already belong (e.g. non-profit/non-governmental organizations, etc.).

Particularly, the post-program activity sessions of this time were designed to focus on two things: firstly, to look at their life and experiences to re-discover their strength and weakness, and secondly, to develop projects based on their interests and backgrounds.

Throughout the two-day sessions, PYs have gained inspirations for project planning (share experience and knowledge) and its implementation in the field of their interests. They had workshops and activities that enable them to understand and recapture their goals for joining the SWY program in order to make their remaining days fruitful and consequently to actively engage in the future post-program activities.

SWYAA Activity Reports – Report from September 2010 to August 2011 Egypt

The Egyptian Alumni Association for the Ship for World Youth (EASWY) is very happy that it organized the 4th SWYAA Global Assembly in October 2010.

Japanese Child Fun Day!! In order to share with Egyptian families the Japanese culture, EASWY held Japanese Child Fun Day!!! on July 1, 2011 in coordination with El Sawy Cultural Wheel and the Japanese Embassy in Cairo. Mrs. Reiko Komatsubara, Japanese licensed teacher was responsible for all activities on that Day.

The event was originally Mohamed Abdel Meguid’s (SWY16) idea who had traveled to Japan. Mohamed El Kattan decided to make his idea come true. Mohamed El Kattan, Vitta Ibrahim, and Samia Moussa together with the rest of our team, organized the event and participated actively. The event was a big success!!! More than 50 children enjoyed the day!!! Children enjoyed Origami and different Japanese kids’ games. Mohamed Selim (SWY21) speaking Arabic Activities Outside Egypt and Japanese fluently was the star of the idea introducing all items to The United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least the audience and helping out the Japanese teacher. Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Islands Developing States (UN- OHRLLS) selected Ahmed Mamdouh The Japanese Embassy presented very successful Japanese Kimono (SWY21) to attend the 4th UN LDC Forum and Conference in Turkey Session dedicated to Egyptian children. in May 2011. The Form tackled problems facing youth in LDC.

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Greece

SWY2 had its second reunion in Santorini in June 2011. A only from SWY program but also from the sister program, SSEAYP. magnificent meeting took place in the most picturesque island. SWY Greek alumni members put into practice the “Homestay + 1 Hatem and Amani from Egypt, Gerald and Henner from Germany, project” where it is advisable for ex-PYs when visiting a country to Georgia, Sophia and Akis from Greece revived unique SWY moments. take part in local events and/to contribute to society. We look Next reunion meeting to be scheduled! forward to your visit in our beautiful country!

Since 2001, SWYAA Greece had the honour to welcome people from For more information, please visit www.swygreece.gr and more than 25 countries in the world. Participants and friends not www.swyworld.net

Japan (IYEO)

One More Child Goes To School The project in Japan officially started in 2008 in cooperation with SWYAA Sri Lanka. From 2010, IYEO has been focusing on the scholarship project, and so far, 38 Japanese Foster Parents have been supporting 44 Sri Lankan children (ages 5-10): those who are going to the Buddha Jayanthi Vidyalaya Elementary School in Matara, the southern part of Sri Lanka. The feature of this program is not only for supporting the students but also promoting exchange between the students and the Foster Parents. The students wrote letters and drew pictures to the Japanese parents. In return, the parents sent small presents and letters to the students so that they could feel connected to each other.

In September 2010, the project leader, Mayumi Kobayashi, visited the school again and donated boys’ toilets and 15 white boards to the 1. Organize charity events to raise fund to purchase school materials school. IYEO project members have been communicating with 2. Establish and maintain scholarship system (Japanese Foster Parents school teachers through SWYAA Sri Lanka since the leader’s last visit program) to support children and also raise fund for school in 2009 so that the donations would match their needs. In Japan, the maintenance project members continue to organize charity events and programs related to Sri Lanka to support children’s future development and to We will keep you informed of our activities and results through the promote mutual understanding between Japan and Sri Lanka. SWY website, mailing lists, and newsletters. http://www.swyaa.org/onemorechild/ IYEO aims to develop the One More Child Goes To School project in Please contact IYEO, Sayoko Tanaka for more detail. the following two aspects: [email protected]

Nordic Countries (Finland, Norway, and Sweden)

First Nordic Reunion Ever in Archipelago Paradise Sharing Japanese Culture and Fundraising for Earthquake Victims For the first time ever members from the SWYAA Nordic countries The main event during the reunion was the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Finland, Norway, and Sweden unite, invited to the picturesque island Memorial Evening, where SWYAA were co-organizers. In front of a of Åland located between Finland and Sweden. The true SWY spirit crowd of 400 people, gathered at the harbor of Åland, we performed arrived with our guests, ex-PYs from nine countries. the impressive Soran-dance and taught how to fold origami cranes. Matti Karvanen (SWY20, Finland) shared his experiences of his visit The SWYAAs in the Nordic countries have long time discussed the to post-earthquake Japan and we read messages from our friends in importance to cooperate over the nation borders, since we share a Japan to the audience. The evening ended beautifully sending out similar culture and life-style. The goal is to support each other when floating candles of hope into the sea. planning the participation of our delegations, to gather strength and inspiration to organize post-program activities. During the last years we’ve had an increased contact and now it was time to gather for the first time. The initiative for the reunion was taken by Petra Granholm (SWY20, Finland) Jenny Jonstoij (SWY18, Sweden) who both work for the Åland Island Peace Institute and SWYAA of Sweden and Finland are the organizers. The Island of Åland is the perfect location, where we can enjoy the Nordic summer in the middle of the sea between Finland and Sweden.

Reunion with ex-PYs from all over the world The reunion soon extended to welcome ex-PYs from all over the world, and all together 25 persons from nine countries, including Japan, Costa Rica, Bahrain, Spain and Turkey, united at Åland during four summer days in August. During four days ex-PYs back from SWY4 until SWY23 experienced the Nordic way to enjoy summer; biking through the landscape, picnics in the meadows, garden party The Åland press was very interested in our event and we were with smoked salmon and pickled herring, swimming in the lakes and interviewed in radio and newspaper. As I am writing this, the the sea, island hopping by boat, sauna bathing and of course, the long reunion is still continuing as we are travelling by boat to our final bright summer nights by the water. island, and we hope for more cooperation and reunions in the future!

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Peru

In Peru, childhood is amongst the most vulnerable and unprotected groups, strongly affected by the poverty indexes. Out of the 3.8 million people who claim to be in extreme poverty, 2.1 are children (UNICEF).

As one of the main purposes of the SWYAA Peru is the search of society’s progress and development, SWYAA Peru established contact with Padre Martinho’s foundation. The foundation “Casa del Padre Martinho” is a NGO whose purpose is to provide support to homeless children of 13 years and younger that have mental illness and/or AIDS. This home is financed by some groups or individual’s goodwill to help out and contribute in the living standards of the children.

In December 2010, the members of the SWYAA Peru participated and shared moments with the children as Christmas days were coming soon. Beginning with introducing ourselves and the organization, we did a painting game with the kids and participated in a Christmas show with the children of the foundation. After playing and learning we helped giving the food to some children and taking them to their beds. Finally, the children received a Christmas lunch and also toys and Following this as an example, we are trying to get alumni members get materials that would help them improve their learning. These involves in social activities and moreover, we are trying to make these donations were obtained thanks to SWYAA Peru’s funds and alumni activities open for the participation not only for ex-PYs but also for members, using the networking through friends and contacts, we people who are not part of the SWYAA Peru. We hope that organized a campaign for this purpose previously to the event. everybody can provide their help to those who need it the most.

Sri Lanka

In early 1990’s the word “NIPPON MARU” was very familiar among In year 2009, Sri Lanka defeated the deadly terrorism and peace was Sri Lankan people. Specially, joining the “Nippon Maru Program” dawned ending a 30 years of war. Since then Sri Lanka has been was a dream of an every youth. Everybody called it “Nippon Maru” strengthening the peace and country is achieving a rapid economic and very few mentioned the name “Ship for World Youth program.” growth.

Year 1996 was the last time this wonderful Ship visited Sri Lanka. Finally, Ship is coming back to Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan people will Sri Lanka was fighting against a brutal terrorism during that time and still call it “Nippon Maru,” although it will not be the same Ship. unfortunately a deadly bomb rocked Sri Lankan Capital while the Ship National Youth Service Council of Sri Lanka together with SWYAA was in Sri Lanka for several days. So it was the last time the Ship Sri Lanka is in the process of making arrangements to warmly was visiting the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. Although youths from Sri welcome the Ship in year 2012 to this beautiful Island. We will make Lanka got the opportunity to participate in the program many times, every effort to make this visit an unforgettable experience to all the ship was not sailing to Sri Lanka due to security concerns. participating youths of the 24th Ship for World Youth program.

Post-Program Activities by the Past 3 Batches

SWY21 JPYs Reunited!!

43 JPYs from SWY21 gathered at the National Olympics Memorial Youth Center (NYC) in Tokyo for a reunion on July 17 and 18, 2011. Sayuri Morimoto, a JPY on SWY21, came up with the idea of the reunion. She was of the view that many JPYs, including herself, didn’t know much about other JPYs, even though we spent more than a month together on the Nippon Maru. Sayuri wanted to create an opportunity for SWY21 JPYs to gather and get to know more about each other.

At first, we set three aims for the reunion: 1. To find out more about SWY21 JPYs and get closer to each other; 2. To share our interests with other members to create new networks; and 3. To (re)gain energy.

On the first day of the reunion, we started with an icebreaker to find second day, we sang “SUKIYAKI” together in harmony (You can find out what each group of people had in common. Following that, we the video on YouTube!). We also enjoyed rope-jumping and tag at a discussed unique ways to increase candidates for the SWY program, gymnasium. Lastly, we concluded the reunion with an activity that and we came up with a lot of interesting ideas. In the afternoon, a involved imagining what each JPY will be like in 10 years. workshop entitled “Discover JPYs” was held, where we discovered different, unexpected, and new perspectives of our friends. On the Through the reunion, we also wanted to do something to support the

0 8 reconstruction that is taking place after the Great East Japan Thanks to everyone’s commitment and support, the reunion was a Earthquake. Two JPYs from Tohoku district shared their experiences great success. It was a wonderful opportunity to deepen our of the earthquake and their voluntary activities. By sharing how we relationship. Our friendship will surely last forever… We hope to felt and what we thought of the disaster, we looked back on the past hold this kind of reunion again in the near future including more JPYs, four months after the earthquake and renewed our thoughts and as well as OPYs. commitments to support the reconstruction. We also bought 39 SWY T-shirts (charity version).

SWY22 Tupendane Project

Introduction of Tupendane enjoyed African music performance by a Japanese singer. The Tupendane was founded as one of the post-SWY activities of SWY22. donation collected through this event will be used to purchase This Swahili word “Tupendane” stands for “Let’s Share Our Love” educational materials for children which was the slogan for SWY22. Tupendane was sparked by the friendship between Kenyan and Japanese youth. Before joining Tupendane Cafe SWY22, David Jonathan Okwiri, one of the “Tupendane Cafe” is organized periodically to raise money to buy Kenyan youth, established Eve’s Day Junior educational materials and to make people become aware of the School at Dandra slum in Nairobi. Some situation in the slums through experiencing role plays. “Tupendane Japanese youth who were inspired by Okwiri’s Cafe” has been held twice till now, last event taking place on May 14, experience decided to support his school after 2011. the SWY program. Visits to Kenya Approximately 190 children are studying at Some Japanese members Eve’s Day Junior School. They face many visited Kenya in 2010 problems such as lack of educational materials where they donated text and food. In order to settle these problems, books, tables and chairs some events are organized in Japan to raise using the money that was funds for monthly expenditures of the school. Through raised in the past events. these events, the current situation of slums in Kenya is also In addition, the members explained to the Japanese people. painted the walls to brighten up the dark Karibu Africa classrooms. In this year, On August 6, 2011, a big event called “Karibu Africa” was another visit to Kenya is held where around 100 people joined. Activities of Tupendane and planned to investigate the current situation and provide more the situation of Kenyan children were presented. Everyone also educational materials for the children.

SWY23 One Book is All It Takes

Joint Project by “A Group” Members community will get out of the library and its resources. Frances will Since disembarking the Fuji Maru in March this year Miguel (Chile) be travelling back to Fiji shortly to monitor progress, source resources and Frances (Australia) were searching for a suitable location to and spend time with these beautiful people. establish a library that would be accessible, utilised, respected and sustainable by all that used it. After in depth discussions with Jone We wish to thank everyone who has contributed to this project on (Fiji) and a hastily organised trip to Fiji it was decided that the library behalf of the parents, grandparents and children of Wainikavula. would be located in Wainikavula, a village 58km from Suva. This There is no way to express their gratitude for the love given to them location was chosen because the community was in need, receptive, by people that they accessible to over 1,000 people from surrounding villages and because don’t know, and there is a SWY representative to help train locals to keep the library will never know. running and respected. After a plea to the SWY community, books The excitement, joy started to arrive from all over the globe. The villagers and of and appreciation is Department of Youth and Sports were surprised and touched by not overwhelming. only the generosity of strangers in the SWY community, but also the Thank you from all personal messages written in the books donated. Most did not even our hearts. hope to believe that this project would ever eventuate. Tears of gratitude were shed. Final note: books/resources are The library was to be housed in the existing study centre; however, still needed, just thanks to Jone and the village’s extensive efforts, Vodafone Fiji has remember… donated funds to build an entirely new building, situated just off the One book is all it takes. main road and accessible to all. Building started on July 4, 2011 with the help and support of villagers who are donating their time and skills Please send books with a personal message and SWY program to: to complete the project. Vodafone Fiji has been incredibly generous; Wainikavula Library however, approximately AU$3,000 is still needed. Jone will be c/o Jone Sinavi working full time on the project until the start of the semester when he Department of Youth and Sports will work in conjunction with part time studies. Long term plan is to PO Box 2448, Government Buildings have a TV set up for DVD film, game corner, and documentary Suva, Fiji Islands viewing, and also a computer to enable word processing skills. The community has promised to take good care the library and all its Any queries please feel free to contact Frances Hennessy at contents and understand that the more care they put in the more the [email protected]

0 9 Updates from Ex-PYs

Networking with Japanese Embassies now living. Most of the Japanese Embassies page for the Cultural Section on the homepage and Overseas around the world promote several cultural see the events promoted locally by the embassy or Jean Roberth Souza activities during the year. These activities gather consulate. Find out the Cultural Section contact SWY7, Brazil different local and distinguished audiences who data and finally send an email to the Cultural Networking is the art have common ties with Japan. Moreover, this Attaché presenting yourself as ex-PY, informing of connecting also represents a unique opportunity for your SWY batch, and your interest in keeping individuals and networking with diplomats, local ex-PYs, SWYAA contact with the embassy, in order to prestige its organizations tied by members, former participants from JET program, cultural activities and also receive its newsletters. one or more specific types of interdependency, MEXT scholarship recipients and alumni, as well Most important: Don’t forget to ask if you can be such as friendship, common interests, knowledge as with other important guests who also participate invited to the future cultural events promoted by or prestige. In this regard, one good hint for in these events. If you are living overseas and the diplomatic mission! ex-PYs who have left their homeland either to are interested in this opportunity for networking, study or work overseas is to network with the the best thing you can do first is to visit the Photo with Mr. Kaoru Ishikawa, Ambassador of Cultural Section of the nearest Japanese Embassy homepage of the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Japan to Canada or consulate in the new country where you are Japan on the Internet. Check if there is a specific

Josephine Nahnyonga Nanjo and for the month of August 2011 in the capital city of A regional event will also be held in Douala in the Veronica Anawa Dashaco Cameroon, Yaounde, to discuss possible strategies month of October 2011 with the same objective. SWY15, Cameroon to spread the influence of the association Ms. Josephine Nanjo (alias Lady J) got married In the past couple of years, SWYAA Cameroon throughout the country’s territory. The focus of immediately after the Cameroonian delegation has been involved in a series of activities with the meeting will be to fulfill the third objective of returned from the SWY program in 2002 and is other youth associations in Cameroon, the the international SWYAA objective, which is ‘to now blessed with three wonderful children. Ministry of Youths, the Japanese Embassy and provide information and develop domestic and Meanwhile, Veronica defended her PhD and is other ex-PYs from other countries around the international networks including non-SWY- now a Professor of Language at the University of globe who have been visiting Cameroon. A participating youths.’ During this meeting, Douala. We will be communicating more happy general reunion for all its members is scheduled volunteers will be recruited to join the association. events in the near future.

Konstantinos Tsigkaras session, I presented to the students my country, SWY18/22, Greece Greece, its culture and heritage with some historic Since my first participation in SWY program in facts through lecture and discussion, followed by a 2006, I had the opportunity to visit Japan Q&A session where I have to admit, I was numerous times but it was only till my last trip in surprised by the questions the students posed to February 2011, that I had the chance to interact me. The ambiance and the energy in the with 14-17 year old students, becoming a teacher classroom were great and the students’ thoughts even for a while in their own classrooms! On and speculations still puzzle my mind. Thank February 18, I was honored to hold a session in you IYEO for such incomparable experience! Akaigawa Junior High School (Hokkaido) and on We are always open for future collaborations! February 28 in Aomori High School. In one hour

My personal post-program activity or may anxious. I remember I went to one gathering of be it is just my news the so called ‘artists’ action for Japan. It was an Rania Ahmed event where painters volunteered to improvise and SWY19, Egypt paint whatever comes to their mind; other people I have started my third year studying art in Japan. would come and take the painting if they like it. I was able to meet some SWY members and it For some reason – out of my anxiety – I kept made me happy to see them again. Some of them drawing the same thing over and over again. The gave me a kind support by helping me on my tours, theme of an “exposed mind” like skin injury open by coming to Tsukuba, where I am staying, to to the air, no membrane or cover to protect, at the spend some time with me by attending my time of crises precautions and heavy thinking exhibitions. I am really thankful. leaves us vulnerable. May be I was trying to express that, and in spite of its queerness and even know me, and for some reason I like to consider In 2011 major things happened both in my country kitschness, the drawings were purchased, and this incident to be one of my peculiar SWY (Egypt) and Japan, all the time my mind was probably they are hanging now on someone’s wall post-program activities. going back and forth between what is happening as a living documentation of my tiresome here and what is happening there. I was so reflections. I don’t know that person nor does he

My Return to the Land of Rising Sun of the Japanese kitchen and enjoyed the tranquility Matti Karvanen of the Onsen bath. I experienced the noise and SWY 20, Finland bustle of Pachinko halls, wandered around the From the day we left the two-month SWY dream crazy Akihabara Electric Town, and tried the really behind in March 2008 I have wanted to return to, awesome, but so deceptive, Noomi Houdai and explore the magnificent country that made our (“drinks as much as you like”). But most dream possible. This July, I finally got an importantly, I got to meet again and catch up with unexpected opportunity to do so, and truly so many of our dear SWY friends! If I counted magnificent my journey was… right, I got to exchange stories with some 60 SWY20 participants in ten different towns, and I I traveled through the country to west and east, was always greeted with big smiles, open arms and admired the beauties of ancient castles, and a friendly laughter. I got the honor to be temples and shrines. I got to taste the delicacies invited to stay at my SWY brothers and sisters’

1 0 houses, and share delicious meals, Onsen baths landscapes at the top of the Mt. Fuji, together with program, not only for the amazing time we live and bottles of Sake with them. Furthermore, five of my dear SWY friends. together in the ship, but even more so for the despite their incredibly high work ethics, many of eternal friendships that we get to create, of which them even managed to take days off from work to To put it in just a few words, my return to the we get to experience again and again whenever we take me sightseeing. And finally, I could not Land of the Rising Sun was simply magic, and I visit each other’s countries. So Arigatougozaimasu, have finished my journey a better way than can only express my deepest gratitude to the sayonara, and see you again in Japan, Finland, or watching the sun go down over spectacular whole SWY family. SWY is truly a unique anywhere in the world!

My SWY life will go on and on the post-program activities, each individual made program proposed by the government of the Japan. Polikalepo Moengangongo Kefu own commitment to climate change. The high From national to international opportunities we SWY 21, Tonga light of the mini-get together is the reviving of the were equipped from SWY program to suit with the In 350.org Climate Change Leadership Forum, SWY spirit in the region. After the SWY goal of the regional forum. Ex-SWYers were four SWYers from three different countries met program it opens doors for us in this part of the happy to make contribution to the discussions of their interest. SWY21 and latest batch which is globe to come closer and contribute to the rising the combating climate change within our region SWY23 made a great mini-get together in Fiji. issue of climate change. It was a good sharing through our youth development. We were so Polikalepo Kefu from Tonga, SWY21, George between the two batches in terms of sharing grateful for the SWY program that weaves our Naweca and Jone Sinavi from Fiji, SWY23 and experience from the program. Apart from the relationship to discuss further concerns in regional Josian Viraliliu from Vanuatu, SWY23 made some agenda of the forum we have opportunities that and international level. flash back from the SWY program. As a part of can help to keep us shape with the goal of the

Tell me will I be normal again? Languages taking off in Australia Dan Ednie - Memories from Ship for World Youth SWY23, Australia Bhagya Senaratne Following my departure from the SWY23, myself SWY22, Sri Lanka and a group of friends in Melbourne started

running a new not for profit called “Language Looking around me, I fail to realise what I see. Connection.” The group was already running a I wonder if I am back, or if this is only a dream. tour operator called “Global Heart Tours” but we I try to understand what these feelings are, had been running community events as a side If they are mine or from a fairytale. project. During my time on the ship though, I

realized that the side activity had actually become I fail to understand what reality is. the part of the organization I cared about most. I seem to float about, and When I came back I started to begin the transition I am told I am distant. from a for profit tour operator to a not for profit community events organization. The goal of this I wonder what it is that I feel post-program activity is to connection people through language. The concept is that people from

different language groups want to improve their language ability, and make new friends. Jet lag, they tell me,

Ship sick some say. In Melbourne, Australia, we have a lot of international students from Japan, Korean and China. We also I see many faces around me, have a lot of Australians who are learning those languages in classrooms. We set up events where But fail to put a name on them. people could come and chat in both English and Japanese and make new friends with each other. The

idea has becoming very popular already, and we now have two events running every week (Thursday At night I dream of scores of faces, night and Saturday during the day). The events attract around 120 people combined each week. A lot Living parts of the dream we shared together. of similar programs try to do everything online, but sometimes it is more useful for people to actually The mornings are the worst, meet face to face because then they can develop rapport more successfully and there won’t be as many As I have to face the inevitable world! problems to do with technology. I am hoping to use the SWY network to develop more weekly events

in Sydney and Adelaide! Anyone in the world who wants to start running language exchange events I feel like I am in dreamland or a fairytale should contact us for help. www.languageconnection.com.au, [email protected] As you please. I fail to realise what normalcy is,

Or what it use to be. EASWY Gossip Corner

Samia Moussa Tell me will I be normal again? SWY6, Egypt Will I ever be me? Nader Sawerous got his first baby boy, Kevin. Nader is now board member of the Egyptian These are some questions I ask, Hostels Association. Unable to wake up from this dream Mohamed Abdel Meguid, Gido, is currently in Japan. He had his first earthquake experience at Okinawa 4 degree magnitude. Gido and his family are safe.

Marwa Hussein is very busy with her new job.

Mohamed El Kattan is working very hard on his PhD and moving between governorates of

Egypt. As the Leader of the 4th SWYAA Global Assembly in Egypt, Kattan prepared and

organized a very big celebration for all of us on the occasion of the success of 4th GA.

Vitta Ibrahim got her PhD degree. Sarah Kamel got married!!! Let’s keep an eye on Riham Raafat, contact person for SWY program at the Egyptian National Council for Youth!!! At Sarah Kamel’s wedding, she caught the bridal bouquet ☺ Let’s see if it’s true…Will it work out for Riham? Sally Mohsen got a scholarship in Finland. Best of luck dearest Sally. Mohamed Selim has a Fiancée ☺ Samia Moussa keeps on traveling. She was recently in Ireland and UK. Samia is still heavily involved in the organization of

all EASWY events. Amani Rabei getting actively involved in Environmental Initiatives with Rotary and on a volunteer basis. She really enjoyed meeting many SWY6 friends at the 4th GA held in Egypt in 2010 and participated in Japanese Child Fun Day. Ahmed Amin just came back from UAE. Ahmed got all videos

of our events, especially GA and Japanese Child Fun Day

1 1 The 4tthh SWYAA Global Assembly in Egypt, 2010

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The 4th SWYAA Global Assembly was held in Cairo from October 9 to 13, 2010. Opening Ceremony A total o f 180 ex-PYs came from 24 countries and enjoyed a variety of programs.

Discussing plans for activities during the Conference for Post-Program Activities

Egyptian Food bank

The participants visit Children’s Cancer various NGOs to exchange opinions and to Hospital Egypt 57357 do some volunteer works. Tannora, One of the Egyptian traditional arts Optional Tour Hatshepsut Temple near the Valley Announcements of the Kings

SWY News Editorial Staff Don’t forget… Tamae Saito (chief editor) When you move, please inform your International Youth Exchange Organization contact details including your name, of Japan (IYEO) country, batch, address, phone, fax Address: 2-35-14-6F Nihonbashi & e-mail to the following two places. Ningyo-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan 1. To your local SWYAA President Phone: +81-(0)3-3249-0767 2. To IYEO by letter, fax, e-mail or Fax: +81-(0)3-3639-2436 www.swyaa.org/FAQ/enterdata.htm E-mail: [email protected] IYEO website: http://www.iyeo.or.jp SWYAA website: http://www.swyaa.org