New Update from SWYAA

Giving Back Through #Okaeshi: Carme (SWY 13, Spain) Receives Merit Award from Consul General of Japan in Barcelona

On March 6, Carme Feliu, director of Nipponia, received the Merit Award from the Consul General of Japan in Barcelona for Nipponia’s work in promoting the Japanese language and culture for more than 20 years, in a magnificent ceremony held at the Consulate General of Japan in Barcelona. Carme and the Nipponia team continue working with effort, rigor, humility, and passion to contribute to the dissemination of Japanese language and culture, following the beautiful Japanese tradition of #okaeshi (returning what Read more

By swy, ago

[SWYAA Bahrain] Spreading Kindness During Ramadan: Iftar Project

On April 7, 2024, during the holy month of Ramadan, a heartwarming charity initiative took place in Muharraq, Bahrain, bringing together ex-PYs to serve those in need. 　Organized in collaboration with the Muharraq Charity Association, the Iftar Project was launched with the goal of supporting families and individuals facing hardship by providing nutritious meals to break their fast. This act of giving embodied the true spirit of Ramadan compassion, generosity, and community support. 　Nearly all Bahraini ex-PYs contributed financially, demonstrating Read more

By swy, ago

SWYAA Chile Lights Up the Holidays for Families in Need

　In December 2024, SWYAA Chile took part in a meaningful holiday project called “Navidad con Sentido” (Christmas with Meaning) in Santiago, Chile. 　The event was held in collaboration with the Cuenta Conmigo Foundation, which supports families and young cancer patients at Luis Calvo Mackenna Hospital. The main goal of the project was to bring joy and hope to children and families facing serious illness during the holiday season. 　Four ex-PYs were involved in person and their contribution had a real Read more

By swy, ago

[SWYAA Russia] Ilshat Earns His PhD with Global SWY Support

　Ilshat Sharafutdinov from SWYAA Russia has successfully earned PhD in English Linguistics from the University of Regensburg (Germany), after completing his research project titled “Segmental Variation in English Non-Native Accents in Russia: The Influence of Some Local Indigenous Languages.” True to the spirit of SWY, Ilshat’s academic journey was supported by SWY friends from around the world. Emma (SWY15 & 28, Australia) and Garreth (SWY28, New Zealand) generously contributed their time and expertise by proofreading the dissertation. Other SWYers showed Read more

By swy, ago

SWY37 Successfully Completed!! The final voyage of Nippon Maru

The 37th Ship for World Youth Program was successfully completed in March 2026. This time, the program structure was quite different from previous years, as it began in Bangkok immediately after the conclusion of SSEAYP (Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program). Although the Participating Youths (PYs) only began their icebreaking activities after boarding the ship, they quickly opened up to one another and formed close connections, leaving a strong impression. Port of Call Activities were delivered in two Read more

By swy, ago

Get ready for the 17th SWYAA Global Assembly in Mexico!

We are excited to support and promote this upcoming initiative by SWYAA Mexico As part of the global SWYAA network, we truly value opportunities that bring together passionate alumni and young leaders, continuing the spirit of the Ship for World Youth program beyond the voyage. This event is a wonderful example of how the SWY community continues to build meaningful connections, foster dialogue, and inspire action across borders. Don’t miss this chance to engage, reconnect, and be part of the Read more

By swy, ago

[SWYAA USA] Taishya Adams Elected to the Boulder City Council in Colorado

　Taishya Adams (SWY11, SWY17 NL) was elected to the Boulder City Council in Colorado in November 2023 and began her term in December. A servant leader dedicated to community building, systems change, and personal transformation, she focuses on sustainable water, energy, and food systems. Taishya is an educator, environmentalist, climate and social justice expert, outdoor enthusiast, musician, and entrepreneur. She is the CEO of the Mukuyu Collective, LLC, which builds climate and cultural resilience with community at the center. 　Her Read more

By swy, ago

SWYAA Fiji Organized the “Hygiene for Health” Project to Empower Rural Women

　For rural women, maintaining good hygiene is essential for their health. To support female market vendors in remote areas, the initiative provided hygiene packs containing sanitary pads, soap, and other basic toiletries. 　SWYAA Fiji successfully distributed five hygiene packs to rural female vendors who sell their farm products in the open-air section of Suva Market every weekend. 　The distribution of hygiene packs proved to be a meaningful effort, promoting hygiene education and empowering women in rural communities. This project not Read more

By swy, ago

[IYEO] Gathering Event for PYs from All Exchange Programs Organized by the Cabinet Office

　In March 2024, a large networking event was held for participants of the FY2023 International Youth Exchange Programs organized by the Cabinet Office of the Government of Japan. These programs included the International Youth Development Exchange Program (INDEX), the Japan-China Youth Exchange, Japan-Korea Youth Exchange, the Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP), and the Ship for World Youth Program (SWY). 　A total of 49 participants, including former Participating Youth (ex-PYs), took part in the event. They enjoyed Read more

By swy, ago

[SWYAA Norway] From Youth Exchange to Diplomatic Dialogue: Meeting with the Japanese Embassy

Lillian Solheim from SWY21, President of SWYAA Norway, who served as a facilitator during SWY Hybrid and SWY2024, held a meeting with the Ambassador of Japan to Norway, the Deputy Head of Mission, and the Cultural Attaché, in Oslo. 　The purpose of the meeting was to introduce SWYAA Norway, highlight its recent contributions to the program through facilitation in SWY Hybrid and SWY2024, and discuss the upcoming 125th anniversary of Norwegian-Japanese diplomatic relations, which is celebrated in 2025.

By swy, ago