Send-off Reception for the Youth Exchange Program for New Westminster Secondary School

On April 30, Consul General Okada hosted a briefing and send-off reception at his residence for the students of New Westminster Secondary School.

A group of twenty five students and teachers will participate in a 10 day Youth Exchange Program in Japan, starting May 7. Their visit will include time in Moriguchi City, which is the sister city of New Westminster.

The briefing for the exchange was conducted by a representative of the Asia Pacific Foundation. He provided an introduction to Japan and its culture to help prepare the students for their adventure. Following the presentation, Consul General Okada provided greetings to the attendees. Councillor Lorrie Williams, of the City of New Westminster and Mary Bushman, Principal of New Westminster Secondary School, also offered some words of encouragement to the students. Rounding out the evening’s speeches, two students, Keila Stark and Asia Michaud, spoke on behalf of the exchange participants.