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Takasago bound group meets for first time

Takasago bound students and their accompanying adult leaders have met together for the first time

By Latrobe City Council - 2nd May 2001 - Back to News

Takasago bound students and their accompanying adult leaders have met together for the first time as a group to discuss planning for the visit to Latrobe’s sister city in Japan, Takasago.

The ten Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 students from Kurnai College, CRC, Lowanna College, St Pauls Anglican Grammar, Gippsland Grammar and Mirboo North Secondary College, met with Tour Leader David Pickburn, and Protocol Officer Ms Chihiro Tabata.

The meeting followed the student’s selection in March and an introductory meeting with Council, and the appointment of the Tour Leader and Protocol Officer in early April.

Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Brendan Jenkins, said that with the selection process finalised and all appointments made, the student group could get down to the detailed planning process for the visit which takes place in the third term school holidays in September.

Top of the meeting agenda was the opportunity for the students to question past participants on their experiences in Japan, and the distribution of Japanese phrase books and guide books.

"Students who have taken part in past visits to our Sister City have a wealth of knowledge to share on the customs and culture of the Japanese people from their own experiences, and what to expect and how to prepare for a visit of this nature," Cr Jenkins explained.

"The highlight of this visit will be the host family stays, where the Latrobe students stay with a Takasago family. This experience proves most rewarding for the students and their host families, where an understanding of each other’s culture is embraced."

Families of the Latrobe students taking part in the visit will also host a student from Takasago in August.

The students were also advised that Edison Mission Energy, Australian Paper and Yallourn Energy have already agreed to sponsor the student’s visit. Additional fundraising ideas were also discussed, all funds raised being pooled for the benefit of the student group.

"We are particularly grateful for the ongoing sponsorship from Australian Paper and Edison Mission Energy who have played an integral role in sponsoring these valuable visits in the past," Cr Jenkins said.

Councillor Jenkins said the Latrobe region began its long friendship with Takasago when the BCLV project was operating in Morwell.

"Since that time we have welcomed many students from Takasago to our municipality, though this will be the first student exchange since Latrobe City and Takasago officially became Sister Cities in October," Cr Jenkins said.

"We can be very proud that this region is at the forefront of fostering and promoting Australia’s good international relationships with many countries. This program and the many other programs that are being run by schools and service clubs in Latrobe City can only benefit our citizens who learn about other cultures, and exchange ideas, while developing respect," Cr Jenkins added.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: latrobecity@gippslander.com

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