August 3, 2017
Manitoba Celebrates 30th Anniversary of 4-H Student Exchange Program
– – –Partnerships Have Provided Hundreds of Manitoban and Japanese Students a Unique Learning Opportunity: Eichler
The Manitoba government and Manitoba 4-H Council have welcomed 19 Japanese students and their chaperones to learn about agriculture and local culture through an exchange program that has created opportunities for international education for 30 years, Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler announced today.
“We are proud to be a part of this long-standing opportunity for young people from both countries to become better global citizens and to extend Manitoba’s special brand of hospitality to visiting students,” said Eichler. “For 30 years, Manitoba’s 4-H families have opened their homes and this program would not have been successful without them. The next two weeks in Manitoba will be a special experience for our Japanese guests and I know they will go home with fond memories of their time spent learning about agriculture, our province and our people.”
The Japanese students stay with 4-H volunteer families and will enjoy authentic Manitoba summer experiences, including community events, outdoor recreation and host families’ cultural traditions. Prairie sunsets, vast fields, campfires and beaches are also annual highlights. To commemorate the 30thanniversary, all current and former 4-H host families have been invited to participate in several special events.
“For the 30th time, the Japan Homestay program will allow 4-H families the opportunity to make lasting connections with Japanese youth during their two-week stay,” said Carlie Whetter, Manitoba 4-H Council president and host family. “It’s an incredible opportunity to show off our local attractions and to witness their joy and excitement as they experience the everyday things we take for granted, like cooking hotdogs and S’mores around the campfire.”
Since 1987, 726 Japanese students and chaperones have been hosted by Manitoba 4-H families. Manitoba students and their chaperones travel to Japan every second year for a two-week homestay, which includes tours of agricultural and other cultural sites. Over the last 30 years, 197 Manitoba students and chaperones have participated.
The Japanese students visiting Manitoba are aged 16 to 18 and were chosen by their high schools due to outstanding achievements and an interest in global connections.
The primary supporter of this long-standing exchange program is the York-Benimaru Foundation, which was established in memory of Yoshio Ohtaka to foster an international spirit among the youth of Fukushima Prefecture through cultural and educational activities. For more information about the foundation, visit www.ybfoundation.or.jp.
The Manitoba government and Manitoba 4-H Council also provide financial and organizational support to the homestay program. For more information about 4-H, visit www.4h.mb.ca. For more information on Manitoba’s agricultural programs and services, follow the Twitter channel at www.twitter.com/MBGovAg or visit www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture.
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