88 Japanese students visit GCA
A total of 88 Japanese high school students are currently on island for a cultural exchange program with CNMI schoolchildren.
The Kawane High School students visited Grace Christian Academy for the second time yesterday morning for a brief cultural presentation.
The Japanese students showcased traditional musical and dance performances in complete traditional costumes and musical instruments.
The students flew in from Shizuoka, Japan Thursday afternoon and they will be leaving Saipan on Monday.
They were chaperoned by 10 Kawane High School faculty staff and Shizuoka community leaders.
GCA principal Faith Dela Rosa said the second visit of the high school had been overwhelming and amazing compared to last year’s visit. She said the visit was part of the cultural exchange programs of both Kawane High School and GCA.
Part of the program, said Dela Rosa, is that Japanese students will be having an overnight stay with local host families on Saipan. She added that the overnight stay would also help the Japanese students learn more about the culture of the island people. The Japanese high school students met with their host families in the afternoon.
The private school in return also presented some cultural dance and music presentations for the visiting students to give them a glimpse of the local culture.
“We have a good participation of the students, even from the school faculty and staff,” said Dela Rosa, adding that the school’s student council had helped in arranging the presentation and availability of the GCA students in welcoming the Japanese guests.
The cultural exchange program presentation was held at the GCA chapel. In the afternoon, the two schools engaged in fun games and mini-sports activities that fostered camaraderie between two schools.
Dela Rosa said despite the differences between the two cultures, Kawane High School and the Grace Christian Academy are one with the Almighty.
Pacific Development, Inc. is assisting the Japanese delegation in touring the island.