Fiji-based PNG student Rhys tells of short visit to Japan

BY RHYS WORUBA
I am from Papua New Guinea studying at the University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji. We were recently privileged to go on a cultural exchange programme to Japan funded by the Government of Japan. As a Papua New Guinean, I would like my peers in PNG to experience the same programme. My story is about our journey and what PNG students should expect if they decide to apply. I hope you publish my story, so that University of PNG students back home can apply for this eye-opening opportunity.

IN today’s interconnected world, fostering mutual understanding and cultural exchange is more crucial than ever. Initiatives such as student exchange programmes serve as a bridge between nations, facilitating not only the exchange of knowledge and experience but also the forging of lasting friendships and partnerships.
Against this backdrop, the journey of Papua New Guinean students to Japan for a cultural exchange programme represents a significant step towards strengthening ties between Japan and the Pacific region.
The Japan East-Asia exchange for students and youths (Jenesys) is a cultural exchange programme funded by the Government of Japan.
The association responsible for running the operation and funding is the Japan Overseas Cooperative Association (JOCA). It is organised around the returning members of the Japan Overseas Cooperation volunteers who have been active in using the technology and experience they have for people in developing countries.
The association leaves the screening process to the University of the South Pacific international officers such as Maria Taylor and Isoa Lagilevu, who go through thousands of applications from students around the Pacific.
Two Papua New Guinean students – myself and Agatha Betitis – were among the 22 chosen to go on this cultural exchange programme. With us were students from the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Federal State of Micronesia (FSM), Kiribati, Tuvalu, Tonga, Samoa, Palau, and Fiji.
The programme under a “peace building” theme took nine days. For most of us, the adventure began as soon as we looked out of the aircraft window and saw the land of the rising sun. For others, the adventure began earlier – as soon as they left the airport.
Days consisted of sightseeing and activities. One of the sites visited was the Daigo Fukuryu-Maru Exhibition Hall, which displayed a large preserved ship.
The exhibition has information on bombing tests and how experiments on radioactive bombs affected not only the farmers but also the marine ecosystem.
When test bombings occurred, they affect fish within the blast and radiation radius. The fish caught after the bombing were removed from the boats and tested for radiation.

“ This type of experience is exactly what young Papua New Guineans need. Yes, our identity is in our diversity, but if we cannot work together to overcome our troubles in life, we still have a long way to go.”

Then they were correlated to the map to show where they were caught and how far they had traveled from Japan and the bombing site.
The day ended with us entering the recently completed and tallest building in Japan – the JP Mori Tower.
The students were given an introductory lecture on G7 and what they were planning to do with their partnership with Hiroshima and Japan.
As a courtesy, the students prepared a short reception where they briefly showcased their identities by performing short dances, poems, and chants.
After the reception, the students were taken to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to view the images and after-effects of the war.
It tells of the atrocities and horror of what occurred after the atomic bomb in August, 1945. The rooms are dimly lit, only focusing enough light on the pictures, poems, and exhibitions telling the story of their pain, struggle, and joy. Touching enough to bring most of the students to tears.
During the trip, the students were split into groups of three and placed in the care of host families from Akiota, a small self-sustainable town, located 54 km northwest of Hiroshima. The people were kind and welcoming, and treated us students with respect.
On the first night, they organised a feast and showed the students how to use an onsen bath – a traditional communal bath in Japan.
The students were exposed to rural Japanese life, where things are slow-paced and work is done to ensure one’s survival.
Some students were fortunate to go snowboarding while others learned important information about the land and how they take care of it.
Towards the end of the homestay, all the students were to prepare a performance highlighting their cultural background.
The Papua New Guinea and Solomon Island students performed a fusion dance. In an hour, the residents of Akiota watched the culture of 12 Pacific island countries.
As we parted ways, some presented their caretakers traditional items and memorabilia.
Though the time together was short, it was meaningful enough to create lasting memories and friendships.
From the trip back students were given a tour of monuments such as the A-dome which was the only building able to survive after the explosion of the atomic bomb.
The eternal flame, which will stay lit until the world is completely rid of nuclear weapons. And the story and monument of Sadako Sasaki, a small girl affected by radiation destined to die but held out hope until the very end. Before she passed, she had a goal to make a thousand paper cranes for a wish but died before she could finish. Due to her actions, Sadako and the cranes became a symbol of world peace in Japan.
We entered this programme with the intention to experience life in another’s shoes, but got way more than we bargained for.
This type of experience is exactly what young Papua New Guineans need. Yes, our identity is in our diversity, but if we cannot work together to overcome our troubles in life, we still have a long way to go.
My mission back from this trip, is to spread awareness about the devastation that war can bring to a nation. Divided we are weak, together we are strong.