New Update from SWYAA

2nd Camino SWY 2026 hosted by SWYAA Spain

Walking Towards Connection: Reflections on the 2nd Edition of the Camino SWY From July 29th to August 5th, 2026, a group of 30 participants from 11 different countries—Egypt, Turkey, Peru, Germany, Japan, Chile, Canada, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Hungary, and Spain—came together for an unforgettable journey: the 2nd Edition of the Camino de Santiago. We walked the final 114 kilometres of the French Way, navigating the path from Sarria to Portomarín, Palas de Rei, Arzúa　O Pedrouzo, and finally culminating in Read more

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SWY Palau Earth Day Tree Planting Activity

On April 26, 2026, the Ship for World Youth Alumni Association Palau (SWY Palau) successfully hosted an Earth Day Tree Planting Activity, putting environmental conservation and youth engagement into direct action in Palau. Organised as an official post-program activity following the 37th Ship for World Youth (SWY) Program, the event brought together young leaders, government representatives, and international partners to make a tangible contribution to local soil conservation and ecosystem protection. The foundation for this initiative was laid during the Read more

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SWYAA Peru at the AELU Matsuri

SWYAA Peru proudly participated in the Central Matsuri Parade on November 11, 2024, celebrating the 125th anniversary of Japanese immigration to Peru. 　The parade took place at the La Unión Stadium Association (AELU) in Lima and drew a crowd of over 20,000 attendees. 　SWYAA Peru members marched in the parade, carrying banners and flags representing their organization. They were joined by other organizations, businesses, and Nikkei associations from across the country. 　The parade was a vibrant and festive celebration, featuring Read more

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[SWYAA Kenya] Food Distribution Program at Restoration Children’s Home

　SWYAA Kenya embraced the true SWY spirit by striving to make the holiday season at Restoration Children’s Home a cherished and memorable experience. To bring a sense of love and belonging, SWYAA Kenya shared snacks and food, and sang Christmas carols, filling the gap often left by family absence. SWYAA Kenya also celebrated unique talents with thoughtful gifts and helped kids prepare the new school term by providing books and essential stationery. 　Beyond festivities, SWYAA Kenya seized the opportunity to Read more

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Welcome to SWY Acedemy! (SWYAA Spain)

SWYAA Spain announces the official launch of SWY Academy, a new international platform for online training that is free and open, aimed at strengthening youth leadership, intercultural dialogue, and the exchange of best practices within the global community linked to the Ship for World Youth program. SWY Academy is designed as a dynamic and practical learning space, based on masterclasses delivered by SWY alumni with extensive professional experience (“SWY Elders”) and invited international experts from various countries and sectors. Each Read more

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SWYAA Morning Assembly 2026

This year’s SWYAA Morning Assembly was held on April 25 (April 24). Because of the time difference, we had two parts: Part 1 for the Americas and Part 2 for Asia & Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe. More than 30 members joined the sessions and discussed future activities. Discussion Topics: Key ideas and actions (highlights from the discussion): Many more ideas and future actions were also discussed. Stay tuned for more updates on ex-PYs’ activities around the world through Read more

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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

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[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

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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

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[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

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