e-ShortNews

The UNESCO Summer Youth Program opened at theYMCA Tozanso International Conference Center inGotenba City on Aug. 21 (Sun), for three days. Since 1990and until last year, the International Friendship YouthRetreat was held in Meguro Citizens Nature Village inWada, Nagano Prefecture. There, many Japanese youthsand overseas students studying in Japan had gathered andenjoyed friendship and mutual understanding, but theVillage was closed last year.
We looked for appropriate accommodation in terms offacilities, budget, distance from Tokyo, size etc. However,we encountered difficulties in finding such a place.Besides, the youth who banded together last year were notable to join this year, due to examinations and job hunting.It took longer than we expected for the planning butfinally, thanks to the supporters, we found an appropriatevenue.
We followed the basic concept of the previous retreatcamp, but broadened the participant’s age to include 5thto7thgraders. We also added a science element, suitable for aUNESCO activity, and enjoyed the nature around Mt.Fuji.
This year’s summer program had three characteristics.First, the idea of a “UNESCO lecture” which is originallyfrom the retreat. Secondly, we added an essence of YMCAyouth program into our events. And finally, we interactedwith Gotenba International Association. I would like toexpress my appreciations to Ms. Keiko Utsumi and Ms.Kazuko Morioka, Chairperson of Gotenba InternationalAssociation, who arranged the schedule for us, Ms.Masako Watanabe, Principal of Fuji-san Gakko, andfinally Mr. Megumi Ishida, General Director of YMCATozanso International Conference Center.
We have received good evaluations for the event. Iexpect that this experience will be utilized again in thefuture.

- report by Takashi Saito,
Chair of Summer Youth Program Committee