Noro CHS students returns after participating in JENESYS program in Japan

By Alfred Pagepitu

Five students from Noro Community High School in Western Province returned to the country today after participating in the 2024 Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) Program in Japan.

The students represented the Solomon Islands at the program with participants from Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Samoa, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Niue, and Palau.

Teacher Mr. Franklyn Tingokera, who accompanied the students, said the students are excited to learn more about the JENESYS Program.

“We also visited historical sites, homestays, participated in exchange activities, learned about culture, politics, and diplomatic relations with Japan and the Pacific Islands countries.”

 He said the program is an eye-opener for the students’ future careers.

“All the students have expressed their personal experiences during our visit there, and we have also witnessed infrastructure development in Japan.”

“On behalf of the team leader, I would like to thank the Embassy of Japan in Honiara and the people of Japan for allowing us to learn about the culture, lifestyle, and build new networks and friendships through this program,” he said.

 Tingokera thanked the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development and the Embassy of Japan in Honiara for selecting them to represent the country in the 2024 JENESYS Program.

He also thanked the students and staff, parents, guidance, and the school principal for their support towards the students.

The two main objectives of the program are;

(1) To enhance the interest in and understanding of Japan among talented young people from other countries and regions; and

(2) To promote understanding of Japan’s politics, economy, society, culture, history, and foreign policy in accordance with the participants’ interests.

The program was held in Japan (Tokyo City, Oita, and Kochi Prefectures) from March 12th, 2025, to March 19th, 2025.

 This year’s program focused on Climate Change, Sports and Japanese Culture.

 The JENESYS program is a fully funded cultural exchange initiative sponsored by the Government of Japan that continues to inspire students from the Pacific Islands, including the Solomon Islands.

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