Young Wellingtonians to Think Globally in Okinawa

Young Wellingtonians to Think Globally in Okinawa, Japan

Media Release from the Embassy of Japan, Wellington, New Zealand

4 August 2010

Two young Wellingtonians will be tackling global environmental issues this month when they travel to Okinawa, Japan for a youth exchange programme.

Jeremy Kelly, 17 of Bishop Viard College, and Jill Campbell, 16 of Wellington Girls’ College, were among 75 students selected from East-Asian, Australian and New Zealand high schools to spend two and a half weeks learning about how science and technology can help solve environmental issues.

Jeremy, deputy head boy and president of the Environmental Committee at Bishop Viard College, is passionate about scientific solutions to environmental issues.

“The opportunity to discuss my environmental passion and scientific interests with colleagues from around the world will catalyse my craving to learn science based solutions to global problems.”

Jill, a keen biologist and environmentalist, is looking forward to meeting likeminded students and representing New Zealand during the exchange.

“I would love the opportunity to interact and problem solve with other young people who are also passionate about protecting the environment and natural resources, and in doing so become an ambassador for New Zealand.”

After the exchange, Jill plans to apply the skills she learns in Okinawa to local problems in her community.

“I believe we should think globally, but start acting locally and the exchange will give me the chance to bring new ideas and solutions back home, where I can communicate them to the young people of New Zealand.”

Jeremy and Jill will arrive in Okinawa on 6 August and will attend lectures by prominent environmental scientists.  The exchange includes a field trip to the Water-bird and Wetland Centre and a practical exercise in coastal waste cleanup.  During their time in Okinawa, Jeremy and Jill will sleep on Japanese futons and experience Japanese-style communal living with other participants to help create a co-operative spirit.

The all-expenses-paid Asian Youth Exchange Programme in Okinawa is funded by the Japanese Government.  It is offered annually and is aimed at high school students with a keen interest in and passion for science and environmental issues. Interested candidates can apply through the Embassy of Japan in Wellington.

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