HOSTING A JAPANESE YOUTH

Promoting International Understanding through youth exchange programme

“To create and foster a spirit of understanding among the people of the world”. - The goal of the Youth Exchange programme by Lions Club International

This month, my family and I had the privilege of hosting a 17 year old youth from Japan by the name of Naoto Kaji, a fine young adult who is adaptable and friendly. His arrival followed my son’s visit to Norway last December where he spent a month with 4 hosting families experiencing their culture and way of life as well as promoting Malaysia to the host families. Such is the noble objective of the youth exchange programme which is arranged yearly by the Lions Club International of which I am a member - to spread international goodwill and understanding among the youths and the hosting families. And this was so with us as we have come to know Naoto personally and to like him.
Arriving the evening of the 2nd of August with 12 others, Naoto was received by me and my children at the KLIA. In the beginning he was very quiet but he began to warm up as time goes by. He understands English when spoken slowly and is good at games. The first night upon reaching home, he was immediately introduced to a neighbour who, together with my children, happily invited him to play musical instruments like the guitar and a drum set, break-dancing and other activities. He had a few tricks up his sleeve as well.
During the time he was with us he also attended my sons’ secondary school (Sri KL). We had the permission of the Principal to allow him to attend classes and experience the Malaysian way of education. My two boys enjoyed his presence and so did the rest of us. They played together, and my eldest boy’s classmates even spent a whole evening with him shopping, ice-skating and bowling at the Sunway Pyramid shopping centre.
He joined us for bible class, and has been to the Lake Gardens, PutraJaya and KLCC. He spent three days at the YE camp in Trolak Resort, Perak, organised by the Lions Club where he was able to fellowship with youths from various countries and participate in lots of camp activities. We also brought him canoeing around the lake at Putrajaya.
Naoto is the eldest son in his family of 4. His father is working in the construction sector while his mother is a home-maker. We discovered that he is a fast learner and knows how to adapt and enjoy his stay. The students of Sri KL were very happy to welcome him and they involved him in their activities. This was a surprise reception to a youth whom they knew for the first time. And indeed, this is a testimony of the effectiveness of the Youth Exchange Programme.
The day before we transferred him to his new host family in SS2, we took him canoeing at the Putrajaya wetlands, something which we had long intended to do. Not only was rowing around the lake fun, it was also a good respite from the routine of school work and hectic life. We told ourselves to do this more often.
Naoto has endeared himself to us and we will miss him. We will be there to send him off at the farewell dinner in the honour of all youths from around the world next week. We trust that he will bring home with him lots of wonderful experiences, happy memories and plenty of stories to share with his family and friends.
We send our best wishes to him and his family.

11.08.06