By: L.N. Reklai

August 1, 2016 Amid tears and laughter, Palauan and Japanese students bid farewell to each other during the closing ceremony at Aimeliik State yesterday, bidding farewell to the Japanese student delegation and their chaperons who arrived in Palau on July 26th as part of the student exchange program between the countries of Palau and Japan. [/restrict]

“I was very proud and happy to see the students, parents and teachers deeply involved in the program and especially, the families that opened their homes to welcome the Japanese students, and provide home-stay experience for them,” stated JT Obakerbau, Aimeliik Elementary School principal.

After the return of Aimeliik elementary school student delegation from Japan, their counter parts from Japan arrived in Palau as part of the ongoing students exchange program which aims to build closer relationships between the people of Palau and Japan, by building greater understanding of each others’ cultures and peoples.

The Japanese student delegation led by Director Yasuyuki Yoshioka spent six days in Palau learning and experiencing Palau with their counter parts.

They spent all day and night at the rock islands with the students from Aimeliik and Ngatpang States, their parents and teachers.  The Japan delegation also visited Peleliu, especially the sites of the WWII.  They also had the opportunity to visit other sites such as Ngardmau waterfall and Palau International Coral Reef Center.

“I am very proud of our teachers, especially Marcia Olkeriil and Ngelechel Miko for taking on such heavy responsibility and doing a great job.  I am especially touched by the parents and other teachers for their full participation and for working together to make this a very successful event, especially one where our students are able to build long lasting relationships,” expressed Principal Obakerbau.

“I would like to express my deep appreciation to all that contributed to the success of this program, especially Delegate Ngemaes and Delegate Otobed for providing gifts to Japanese student delegation on behalf of our students and Governor Obak for his support,” concluded Obakerbau on behalf of Aimeliik Elementary School.[/restrict]