Students from Regina arrive in Fujioka, Japan

REGINA — Sunday, the City of Regina celebrated the sixth anniversary of its friendship agreement with the City of Fujioka in Japan.

On Aug. 3, 2019, the mayors of both cities came together to sign a joint Friendship Agreement honouring the long-standing relationship. Since 1991, students have participated in exchange programs and homestays to learn about each other's cultures and traditions.

This weekend, 23 Regina high school students arrived in Fujioka for their 10-day trip, the City of Regina announced on its Facebook page.

Sstudents in Grade 7 or 8 in Regina Catholic or Regina Public Schools are invited to apply for the Regina-Fujioka Student Exchange Program. Regina students act as host to Japanese students for 10 days in the first summer of the cycle and will visit Japan for 10 days in the second summer of the cycle. 

Acccording to the Regina-Fujioka Student Exchange Program website, the program is officially recognized and supported by the City of Fujioka, the Board of Education of Fujioka, the City of Regina, the Regina Catholic School Board and the Regina Public School Board and is administered by the Regina-Fujioka Student Exchange Program Board of Trustees. 

Students who are selected for this program will participate in weekly Japanese language classes, cultural and social events, organizing activities for the hosting phase, and fundraising events during their two-year involvement. This is a parent-run program in which parent committees coordinate fundraising activities, programs, events, host phase activities and travel arrangements.