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Students Exchange Culture

Published: 29/10/2015

Students from Flintshire have benefitted from a fantastic opportunity to learn about Japanese culture thanks to a local exchange programme. Six local students took part in this year’s programme thanks to funding from Toyota UK based at Deeside and The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, which supports Japanese educational programmes. They enjoyed an amazing cultural visit to Japan after their families played host to the Japanese students for two weeks. The exchange, coordinated by Flintshire Council, has been running for 25 years thanks to a trust fund set up by Buckley-based Optec Ltd. It’s also funded by grants and donations and this year was a landmark year with two generous contributions. Cllr Chris Bithell, Cabinet Member for Education said: “This exchange offers a wonderful opportunity for young people from Flintshire and Japan to see and experience a different culture and we’re very grateful to the organisations who support it and help make it possible.” The students will be talking about their experiences during a presentation evening at the Council Chamber, County Hall on November 2 to provide an insight to other young people thinking of applying for next year’s exchange. Further information about the exchange programme is available from Beth Ditson on 07786523601 or beth.ditson@flintshire.gov.uk Caption - Graham Smith (left), a trustee of the youth exchange programme receiving the cheque from Martin Fry from Toyota’s General Affairs Department at their Deeside Engine Plant.