12 students from Minamisoma City in Fukushima will travel to Singapore and Sri Lanka to learn and experience first-hand the importance of embracing diversity through cultural exchange in these multicultural societies, and will explore how humans can learn to co-exist peacefully despite our differences.

Departing from Japan on March 21, the youth, aged 12-14, will take part in art, cultural and communication workshops led by the organization ?gArtsolute?h in Singapore, before boarding Peace Boat in Singapore on the afternoon of March 23.

While onboard the ship, the students will study English and communication skills with a range of specialized Guest Educators. Their time onboard will also allow for many opportunities to meet and build friendships with the hundreds of voyage participants, staff and crew.

Reaching the port of Colombo in Sri Lanka on March 29, the youth will spend 3 days in Sri Lanka, including an exchange between the Fukushima Youth Ambassadors and survivors of the 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami. Coordinated by Sri Lankan NGO Sewalanka, this programme aims to foster a sense of solidarity between disaster-affected communities across borders, consider challenges and new ideas for post-disaster recovery and community rebuilding, and forge new friendships for the future.

[Project Period] March 21 - 31, 2014

[Participants] 12 School Students from Minamisoma City, Fukushima

[Schedule] March 21 - Depart Minamisoma, fly to Singapore
March 22-23 - Singapore Sightseeing/Exchange Programme:
Communication workshops through art (Boarding Peace Boat evening of March 23)
March 23-28 - Onboard Peace Boat's 83rd Global Voyage for Peace
March 29-31 - Colombo (Sri Lanka) Study Exchange Programme
Eco-tour about co-habitation with elephants and environmental issues
Study water related issues and international cooperation at JICA research centre
Visit areas affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami
March 31 - Depart Colombo, Fly to Japan (late night)

* Students will be available for interview during their journey and upon return to Japan Please contact Peace Boat for details.

**This project is co-organised by NGO Peace Boat and the Peace Boat Disaster Relief Volunteer Centre (PBV).

Contact: Ms TSUKAGOSHI Miyako, Peace Boat
TEL?F03-3363-8047?@MAIL: miyakot(a)peaceboat.gr.jp

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