New Update from SWYAA

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

By swy, ago

[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

By swy, ago

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

By swy, ago

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

By swy, ago

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