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Flintshire Japanese Youth Exchange

Published: 19/07/2016

This year’s Japanese Youth Exchange programme has again been supported by Toyota UK. Each year, local students have an opportunity to learn about Japanese culture thanks to this youth exchange programme which funds six student placements. The families of the successful students host their visitors from Japan for two weeks. The Flintshire students then have the opportunity to travel to Japan and stay with their partnered Japanese student and family. The exchange programme has been running since 1991 thanks to a trust fund set up Buckley based company Optec Ltd. The programme is also funded by grants and donations, including donations from Toyota UK based at Deeside and The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, which supports Japanese educational programmes. Martin Fry from Toyotas General Affairs Department at their Deeside Engine presented their cheque to Flintshire County Council’s Karen Jones. Flintshire County Council Leader Aaron Shotton and Chief Officer and Trustee Ian Budd were also present to thank Martin for the donation. To be eligible to apply for a place on next year’s exchange the students need to be 16-18 years old on September 1, 2016 in full time education in Flintshire or in full time education and residing in Flintshire. To get an insight into what is involved for the students and their families a presentation evening will be held on Monday 1 November, at 6.30pm in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Meld. Participating students in this year’s exchange will give a presentation of their experience and the benefits they have gained form it. Parents of the students will also give an insight from their perspective. Applications for the exchange will be available on the night or by contacting Karen Jones 07759295984 or by email to karenjones@flintshire.gov.uk. From leftt: Cllr Shotton, Karen Jones, Martin Fry and Ian Budd