JET(Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme) Welcome Back Reception
On Tuesday, October 25 a reception was held at the Embassy of Japan to welcome back the returnees who came back from Japan after participating in the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme. The reception gave former participants and their families an opportunity to meet with members of the local Japanese community, other JET Programme Alumni, as well as representatives from post-secondary institutions.
Minister Yawata spoke to the assembled guests and welcomed home 10 JET returnees. The Minister praised JET Programme Alumni in Ottawa (JETAA Ottawa) for the events they organized in the city. In particular he highlighted JETAA Ottawa’s fundraising event on March 27th that raised funds for the support for the Great East Japan Earthquake, the Japanese Summer Festival at Vincent Massey Park and the Retrospectives Photo Show at Raw Sugar Café. The Minister also encouraged the returning JET Programme Participants to keep the connection with Japan and to join in JETAA Ottawa.
Gemma Villanueva spoke on behalf of the returning JET Programme participants, of her gratitude to her JET colleagues who formed a strong bond and supported each other in a time of crisis after the March 11th disaster. She also addressed the important role JETs are having in the rebuilding efforts, and her eagerness to promote Canada and Japan ties in Ottawa. Moreover, Ms. Villanueva was grateful that the JET Programme provided her with the skills required to be a better global citizen through her role as a cultural ambassador in Japan.
Following Ms.Villanueva, Brent Stirling a JET alumni and a participant of Invitation Programme for Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme Alumni to Disaster Stricken Areas in Tohoku explained what Fukushima is like now, 6 months after the disaster. Like Ms.Gemma, Mr. Brent spoke of his love of Japan, Japanese people, the JET Programme and its participants. Brent also confirmed the important of the JET Programme, in stating that as JET Programme participants, “we have truly had the chance to be part of a truly unique experience”.
The vice-presidents of JETAA Ottawa, Tiffany Moreside and Alex Svetlovsky further elaborated on the success of previous JETAA Ottawa events within Ottawa, and requested all the returning JET Programme participants to become active in the alumni group. Additionally, they invited everyone to visit their website, “www.jetaaottawa.ca” to learn about events open to the public.
Prior to the reception the newly returned JETs were offered an informative and interactive workshop focusing on re-entering the career market by Seeta Batachasingh, an Employment Specialist from Northern Lights Canada.
The Embassy of Japan is pleased to welcome these members of the JET community back to Canada and wishes them all the best with their new endeavors. |
