ISLAMABAD: A delegation of seven Pakistani high school students, their supervisor and four young workers from the energy sector will be visiting Japan for the “Japan-SAARC Network Programme of People–to-People Exchange” (JENESYS).
According to a press release, a total of 96 people from SAARC member states, with each sending a 12 person delegation, will participate in the short term programme on the Japanese government’s invitation. The duration of the programme runs from February 5 to 14 this year.
The young participants have been chosen with the expectation that they will play an active and important role in various fields within their respective countries in the future.
JENESYS is a youth exchange programme between Japan and SAARC countries initiated to reaffirm and strengthen mutual trust and understanding among the people of Japan and participating countries. This programme also aims to promote participants’ capacity building in a manner that would be conducive to the development of SAARC member countries.
Japan Ambassador to Pakistan Takashi Kurai, on Tuesday, handed over travel documents to the selected youth at an orientation ceremony held at the Japanese embassy.
Speaking on the occasion, ambassador Kurai said that the people-to-people exchange programme was a very good platform to further bring people of the two countries closer.
Under the iniative, participants will be given opportunities to increase their understanding of Japan’s cutting-edge technological innovations and its support for local and creative industries, as well as to experience Japan’s traditional culture and communicate with local people.
“The students will also get an opportunity to visit the energy sector to observe how Japan is efficiently meeting its energy needs while protecting its nature and environment. This programme is expected to develop mutual understanding among youths in Japan and SAARC countries,” the ambassador added.
Under JENESYS, announced by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, 77 Pakistani high school and university students were sent to Japan in 2013 whereas 82 students visited Japan in 2014. From January to March 2016, 28 Pakistani students and youths visited Japan under this initiative.