SPONSORED

Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths(JENESYS) 2022

Continuing with the friendship ties between India and Japan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Government of Japan, the JENESYS 2022 was started from 24 January 2023 for a 10-Day program in Japan with 68 Indian participants under the following four themes from 35 organizations in India.

• Science and Technology

• Japanese Language and Japanese culture A

• Japanese Language and Culture Exchange B

• Rugby- Sports Exchange

The program was a mark of the celebrations of the 70th Anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries. The program in whole was a venture to provide exposure to youth of the immense possibility of intercultural exchange and dialogue, commitment to peace, involvement of youth and envisioning the future together with sharing of technology, ideas, culture and beliefs.

In addition, the program ended with the presentation by the participants on the future action plan where they highlighted their learning and how to take the learning to achieve a prosperous future. The role of youth, social media, government, non-governmental organization, schools, education, animation and movies could be a bridge for Cultural, Technological & Ideological Exchange between the two countries.

I am extremely thankful to AFS, for not only giving me the opportunity to participate in JENESYS 2022 but also showing faith in me to represent the Indian contingent. It was an amazing experience to join the program, as I was able to explore more about Japanese culture and was also successful in conveying a message of love and friendship to students and local people in Japan Moreover, I experienced the past Indo- Japan collaboration and friendship as well. I realized this when we visited places like Seigantoji, a temple built by an Indian monk. The most important learning for me through this program is - “Give your hands to serve and hearts to love.”

The JENESYS program impacted me in a way that I have become more interculturally sensitive I have learned the language of love and kindness in Japan, and it was a life changing experience. I would like to thank AFS Intercultural Programs, the Embassy of Japan and MOFA Japan for this wonderful learning opportunity that I will forever treasure in my heart.“

-Sweadeeta Krishnatrya, Participant