Mayor Craig Rowley welcomed 13 exchange students from Japan to Waimate on 11 August at a special function at the Waimate Event Centre. The students, from Nichidai-Tsurugaoka High School and Yasuda Junior High School, were studying at Waimate High School and staying with host families from the school.
Nichidai-Tsurugaoka High School Principal Mr Satoshi Samukawa and teacher, Mr Hironobu Kakinuma accompanied the students on their trip. Further support was provided by local experts including Waimate High School Principal Jo Hunnikin and Council employee Mayuko Vega who was acting as a locally based Japanese counsellor.
Each student was given a certificate and a gift bag during the function. Mayor Rowley spoke of his pride in the community for hosting the students and celebrating different cultures and said the relationship between Waimate High School and the Japanese High Schools was a win-win. Once back in Japan, Mayor Rowley hoped the students would feel a lasting connection with Waimate.
“You might tell family and friends that our scenery is beautiful, our lifestyle is relaxed, and our people are warm and friendly,” he said.
The students returned home on 18 August.
