The Seaholme Primary School community experienced some Japanese traditions recently when visiting students from Nagoya Women’s University stayed with local host families.
Fifty-one university students have spent the past fortnight at schools and kindergartens across Hobsons Bay.
Yoshie Weaver, a co-ordinator with school tour organiser Japan Link, said the visiting students gave children a greater understanding of other cultures.
“Nagoya Women’s University has been bringing students to Hobsons Bay for the last 12 years and, among hosting schools, Seaholme Primary School and Newport Gardens Primary School are two schools that have hosted girls every year,” she said.
“Every year they establish strong friendships, so we have lots of tears when they leave.
“Students’ English improves after two weeks and they enjoy first-hand experience at school.”
Seaholme primary welcomed its guests at a Japanese cultural day, with the visitors showing children traditional crafts, including calligraphy and origami.
“This program is incredibly meaningful …local children become more aware of other cultures and become more compassionate and considerate in a multicultural environment,” Ms Weaver said.
“This kind of program is very important for the community to have good understanding about other cultures.”
