Abu Dhabi: Eight students from the Western region have been given a unique opportunity to not only learn about a new culture but also become cultural ambassadors of the UAE when they travel to Japan this month for an intense 10-day programme.
"I would like to congratulate the students, whose passion for learning provided them with the opportunity to be chosen to travel and be a part of this year's summer camp programme," Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, director general, Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec), said.
"The camp will take place over a short period of time but it will provide the participating students with an intense look at Japanese culture. Such activities provide a bridge between cultures and help us to understand and strengthen our ties with each other."
The students, along with their parents, were present at a ceremony honouring their achievement at the Japanese ambassador's residence recently.
"At the same time last year, we hosted the first send-off party for students travelling to Japan. When they returned, their reflections and observations about my country convinced me that this summer camp programme carries great potential for the future of the relationship between the UAE and Japan," Ambassador Tatsuo Watanabe said.
The 15-year-old female students and their principals, from the Al Khama'el and Al Gharbiya Model Schools in the Western Region, were chosen on the basis of their high academic achievements to attend the second annual Summer Camp Programme, organised by Adec, the Mitsubishi Corporation Middle East and the Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University.
"We're all very excited to go. The summer camp will give us a chance to really immerse ourselves in this new culture. There are so many things I would like to learn more about Japan and now I can discover the unique aspects of its culture," Dabiya Al Mansouri, a student from the Al Khama'el school and head of the student delegation, said. "I am keen to represent the UAE and to share our culture and heritage with our counterparts in Japan," she said.
