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A group of middle schoolers from Livermore set out Thursday to embark on a trip to Japan as part of an educational and cultural exchange program with sister city Yotsukaido.
Hosted by the Livermore Yotsukaido Sister City Organization (LYSCO), the student ambassador program this year consists of 20 eighth-grade students from Livermore, five parent chaperones and eight delegates, according to an announcement from the organization.
While in Yotsukaido, a city of similar population and socio-economic circumstances to those of Livermore, the students stay with host families and children their own age. They also attend school with the students from their host families.
Through this experience, Livermore youth can compare schools and cultures across the world while realizing their similarities, LYSCO officials said in a statement.
As a previous visitor of Yotsukaido — located approximately one hour’s drive from Tokyo — Livermore Mayor John Marchand is a strong supporter of the program.
“LYSCO is a wonderful program that creates lifelong friendships and fosters greater understanding for youth and adults alike,” Marchand said in a statement. “I have seen, first hand, what a remarkable and life-changing experience this can be for our young adults.”
Beginning its annual middle school exchange program in 2001, the experience recently restarted again after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Through the program, students make lifelong friendships, regardless of language differences, LYSCO officials said.
Livermore students learn key words and phrases in Japanese and most Japanese youth are learning English, and any gaps are made up using dictionaries or miming, officials explained.
While the students are at school, the adult chaperones and delegates visit shrines, tour the city and learn about Japanese culture with representatives of sister city organization Yotsukaido Cross Cultural Association.
Keith Jess, LYSCO president and longtime participant in the program, expressed his excitement about returning to Yotsukaido.
“I really enjoy meeting the students and their families,” Jess said. “My family has made some very good friends in Japan, and I can’t wait to see them all again.”
Earlier this year in March, student and adult representatives from Yotsukaido visited Livermore as well. While in the area, they attended Livermore schools with their host students, toured San Francisco and spent time with their host families sightseeing and learning about American culture.
By mid-October, the Livermore crew is set to return to the states with a greater understanding of Japanese culture, new friends, memories and hopefully a desire to foster peace throughout the world, LYSCO officials said in a statement.
Seventh-grade students from all Livermore schools including those at public, private and home-schools are encouraged to apply to the exchange program for next year. For more information, visit the LYSCO website at lyscoorg.wordpress.com.
