It was an amazing experience for students who participated in the Youth Camp and Exchange Programme organised by the Lions Club International. Six Japanese students from Sapporo were hosted by families in Cameron Highlands and arrived in Ipoh recently.
The Japanese Youth Exchange participants were exposed to many activities like jungle trekking, cultivation of vegetables, sight-seeing to other states like Penang and Kuala Lumpur and more. It was an experience beyond their wildest dreams.
Meanwhile, 20 local students, including students from SMJK Ave Maria Convent Ipoh, were sent to Japan, Taiwan, New Zealand and Australia as part of the programme.
A Farewell Dinner and Cultural Night was held for the Japanese inbound Youth Exchange participants at the end of their journey where they also got to meet the local outbound participants. The participants belted out songs and dances from their respective cultures to celebrate their farewell and homecoming.
It was a joyous occasion and at the end of the session, tears flowed freely for it was time to say sayonara! Each drop of tear marked the building of a new bridge and this is what the Youth Exchange programme is all about.
Vhyshnawi
