Editor:
It has recently been brought to my attention that our Josai program of 30 years may be coming to an end.
I strongly urge that the Josai program not be terminated. We live in a small and to some extent secluded town, with many children who rarely have the opportunity to travel to another city let alone another country!
Our family has hosted seven intelligent and gracious Josai students during the summer and one for the school year. Through the Josai program, three of my children have gone to Japan and the fourth is working for her turn to go.
We all know we try to teach our kids any subject, but the information does not sink in until they have hands on experience. What better way to accomplish this than to have exchange students come to Sweet Home.
I have watched as our students ask questions of the exchange students about their history, culture, money, customs, politics and even what’s hot! Seize the moment; any teaching moment that is passed by because this program is discontinued is a great loss.
During sayonara gatherings, Sweet Home students have watched demonstrations of traditional fan dancing by the girls, karate skills from the boys as well as art work, singing, dancing and piano performances.
All of this in Sweet Home from exchange students – what a great opportunity for our students. It also teaches our students of Sweet Home responsibility and to work for something, as they have to work for the money in order to go on the trip.
In addition, not only does it have a great impact on our community, but it means a great deal to the students who come here, for the year and the two-week period!
It has created lifelong friendships and opened many eyes for our students.
Please do not allow the exchange program to just disappear, there are so many ways that it affects our students and the community.
Martha Wells
and Hailey Fisher
Sweet Home