A Japanese youth visiting Sawani Village in Naitasiri yesterday said she did not know about Fiji until she arrived in the country.

“I did not know that there is a country by the name of Fiji,” said 26-year-old Hikaru Rikihisa.

“I came to know about Fiji when I arrived here earlier this week. I had never heard about Fiji.”

The Japanese youth was among other youth delegates from around the globe who arrived in country last Friday with the Japanese-run Ship for World Leaders Youth Programme.

Photo Caption: Eleni Fatiki Tui of the Kingdom of tonga drink Kava as Adriana Chavairia Flores of Costa Rica looks on during their visit to Sawani Village yesterday. Photo: Jone Luvenitoga

As part of the programme, the youths visited different villages yesterday which included Nakini Village, Naganivatu Village, Sawani Village, Kasavu Village, Galoa Village and Nakaulevu community.

Ms Rikihisa’s group visited Sawani Village.

She said our country was a beautiful nation with friendly, welcoming people.

“People of Sawani Village are so welcoming and it was wonderful to interact with Sawani youths,” Ms Rikihisa said.

“I would like to visit Fiji again.”

Twenty-four-year-old Avilash Panda from India said: “It was always my dream to visit Fiji because I have studied that our ancestors where brought to Fiji under indentured labour system by the British.

“I am mesmerised after seeing Fijian culture and diversity.

“Fiji is very much similar to India. Fiji is just like home away from home.”

Mr Panda said he would keep visiting Fiji.

“I would like to thank the Sawani Villagers for their wonderful hospitality towards us,” he said.

Sawani Youth Club leader, Aminisai Vuniwas, 24, said: “It was indeed a great pleasure to interact with youth from different countries.

“Our club has been registered recently and I think interacting with youths from other countries is good opportunity for them to learn and understand about the youth programme.”

The youths prepared lovo, attended the church service, toured and had lunch in the village.

The Ship for World Youth Leaders leaves Suva today.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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