New Update from SWYAA

[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

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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

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[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

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[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.

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[SWYAA Brazil] Cultural Exchange at Naiara’s Japanese Language Class

　A Post-Program Activity was held in collaboration with Naiara Martins (SWY26), Yurina (SWY Hybrid), and her Japanese friend Nanami, during a Japanese Language and Culture class at Colégio do Sol. 　This extracurricular project was specially created to promote multicultural learning among students and to foster interest in Japanese language and culture. For a month, the group had been preparing to host the visitors, and their efforts reflected a thoughtful blend of Brazilian and Japanese cultural elements.The students crafted their own Read more

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Ambassador Nakamae’s Invitation to Meet SWYAA Spain’s New Board

　The Ambassador of Japan to Spain, Mr. NAKAMAE Takahiro, kindly invited SWYAA Spain to the embassy for a formal meeting with the newly appointed Board of Directors. During the visit, the delegation provided updates on the Ship for World Youth (SWY) program, which the Ambassador was already familiar with, and expressed interest in collaborating on upcoming activities initiated by the embassy. 　The discussion also covered the selection process for future youth participants who may represent Spain in the program. The Read more

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SWY2024 Aotearoa New Zealand Delegation Reunion

In September 2024, the Aotearoa New Zealand delegation from the 35th Ship for World Youth (SWY2024) program came together for a special reunion. 　The gathering provided a meaningful opportunity for delegates to reflect on their shared experiences and explore how to keep the SWY spirit alive within New Zealand. Set near the beach, the reunion offered a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Delegates spent quality time reconnecting, swimming in the ocean, sharing meals, and enjoying each other’s company. These moments of Read more

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[SWYAA Costa Rica] Pura Vida Friendship Forum

SWYAA Costa Rica participated in a forum organized by a former Participating Youth (ex-PY), where President Manuel A. Sequeira gave a presentation on the SWY program to young people and community members interested in Japanese culture. 　 His talk was one of five featured in the event, all centered around Japan. Other topics included Kendo and the Japanese sword, Zen philosophy, the promotion of the Japanese language, and building business alliances with Japan.

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[SWYAA Costa Rica] Support for the Autism Center for Children in Paraiso

　Under the leadership of Manuel A. Sequeira, current President of SWYAA Costa Rica, support was provided to the Rotary Clubs of Cartago, Costa Rica and Denton, Texas in implementing infrastructure improvements at a center serving children with autism. A total of USD 35,000 was invested in renovations, equipment, and scholarships for training local medical staff. These efforts aim to enhance the quality of care available for children with autism in the Cartago region.

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[SWYAA Australia]Pre-Departure Training Weekend in Canberra

In early December 2024, the pre-departure training weekend for the upcoming SWY delegation was held in Canberra. This event marked the first in-person meeting for the new delegates and provided a valuable opportunity for team bonding and preparation. 　On Friday, the delegation was graciously hosted by the Embassy of Japan in Australia. Delegates had the opportunity to engage with embassy representatives and participated in an introductory session on Japanese language and culture. 　Over the weekend, a series of workshops were Read more

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