Meguro UNESCO International Exchange Summer Youth Program
“Go hand in hand! – the way to make world peace is understanding different cultures”
August 14(Fri.)-16(Sun.), 2009 / 51 participants from 10 countries / YMCA Tozanso, Gotenba
Sponsored by NPO Meguro UNESCO Association / Supported by Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), Japan Educational Exchanges and Services, Meguro City, Meguro Board of Education, Meguro International Friendship Association, and National Federation of UNESCO Associations in Japan (*This project has received NFUAJ subsidy to promote grassroots activities)
Misaki Nishikawa, youth member of Meguro UNESCO Association.
The season of Summer Youth Program has come.
The theme was decided as “Go hand in hand! – the way to make world peace is understanding different cultures”, in accordance with the Preamble to the UNESCO Constitution ; “… ignorance of each other's ways and lives has been a common cause, throughout the history of mankind, of that suspicion and mistrust between the peoples of the world…”.
On the first day, first of all, we walked, picking up litter from Subashiri Entrance of Mt. Fuji to Kofuji. After that, we enjoyed the game “KURURINPA - trick picture” as ice-breaking and clapped hands, admiring each other’s idea. On the 2nd day, we began the program with thinking “What is culture?”, and experienced, through role-play, the embarrassment or problem which could occur between different cultures and thoughts, then considered cross-cultural understanding. In another program, each group tried to invent an original festival, and on the last day, each group presented it and we voted for the best one. During a “Red vs. White” athletic contest, everyone earnestly played a hopping game and a three-legged race. And at the camp-fire, we enjoyed singing songs from many countries, dancing and games. Even in the free time, we played basketball or “Blob Tag” game.
People of various ages, from various countries, gathered for this event, and there was a warm communication as a big family. I do hope we continue to be friends in the future, remembering the song “To be a friend” that we sang hand in hand at the closing ceremony.
Lastly, I want to say thanks to every participant. The success of this Summer Youth Program is attributed to their cooperation. Thank you very much.
-translated by Mami Kawaguchi
