In honour of the departure of the participants of the 2012 Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme, a farewell reception was held at the residence of the Ambassador on Friday August 3, 2012. The reception was attended by about 60 people: fourteen departing JETs from Ottawa and their families, along with numerous supporters of the JET Programme and Japan including; members of the JETAA (JET Alumni Association), officials of the Canadian government, representatives from post-secondary institutions, members of Japanese community groups, and members of the media.
At the reception, Ambassador Ishikawa welcomed the JETs to the growing family of over 7800 Canadians who have participated in the JET Programme since 1988. The Ambassador expressed how impressed he was with the departing JETs’ enthusiasm and passion in learning about Japan as well as sharing knowledge of Canada and the English language, and encouraged them to continue to build the bridge between Japan and Canada even after their return to Canada. The Ambassador also conveyed his gratitude for all the support from Canada after the Great East Japan Earthquake, and for how the Canadian JETs helped and encouraged their students after the disaster.
Ms. Ralueke Ikejiani and Mr. Julian Daher, two of the departing JETs spoke on behalf of their peers about their enthusiasm for their time in Japan as well as their wish to share the culture, history, and customs between the two countries.
The 14 new JETs departed from Ottawa International Airport the following day. Approximately 160 Canadian JETs will be dispatched throughout Japan this year and start their duties in their assigned cities across Japan. |
