Fijian Delegation Excited About Tour
The Fiji delegation to the 29th Ship for World Youth was farewelled on Thursday by the Ambassador of Japan, Takuji Hanatani and Ministry of Youth and Sports permanent secretary, Alison Burchell.
Mr Hanatani congratulated all the delegates and urged them to make the most of this once in a lifetime opportunity.
“The key objective of SWYL programme is to cultivate the spirit of international co-operation, build friendship and better understanding between the youths of Japan and the participating countries,” said Mr Hanatani.
Mr Hanatani said the SWYL programme would continue in the future.
Team Leader for the Fiji delegation, Ravinesh Prasad, said the group was excited about travelling next Monday.
“It’s a great learning experience especially with the programmes and seminars that will be done on board the ship,” said Mr Prasad.
23-year-old Felisha Pickering of Suva is excited about the trip and looking forward to learning as much as she can and meeting other fellow youths from around the world.
The only rural representative, Asaeli Tuikanawa still can’t believe he was one of the final 11 chosen. It’s his first international trip as well.
“For me just getting through the first stages of the interview after applying was more than enough but getting chosen was beyond my expectation,” said the excited Serua native.
Ministry of Youth and Sports Permanent secretary Alison Burchell, said preparation turned out very well since the delegates had gone through their own sessions to get to know each other better.
“It’s not the travel or food but the interaction with others and how the youths will represent Fiji, the culture, tradition and diversity is very important,” said Ms Burchell.
The 11 member Fiji youth delegation will join 240 youths from 10 countries.
They leave for Japan on Monday on a 34-day voyage that will take the Ship for World from Yokohama to Vanuatu for refuelling and to Auckland in New Zealand.
From New Zealand, the Ship is expected to arrive into Fiji on 17 February for port of call activities before it departs again on 20 February.
The delegates were farewelled at the Ministry of Youth and Sports headquarters in Suva yesterday.
