Japanese ambassador Matsubara Yutaka hosted a pre-departure orientation and a send-off reception for the new participants of the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme at his official residence.

Twenty-three JET participants from Trinidad and Tobago were selected for cycle 2023 of the programme. They left for Japan on August 8 to take up their appointments as assistant language teachers (ALTs) in various prefectures across the country.

At the reception on August 2, Matsubara welcomed the JET participants and urged them to uphold their responsibility to maintain the highest levels of respectability. At the same time, he hopes they will develop long-lasting bonds of friendship with the people of Japan and fully enjoy the culture and natural beauty of his country, the release said.

He said, 'I believe that your stay in Japan will meet, or even exceed, your expectations, and I wish you success on the journey you are about to embark upon as TT's cultural ambassadors.'

After his welcome address, Tisha Alexander, speaking on behalf of the participants, expressed her enthusiasm about experiencing life in Japan and thanked the embassy for the opportunity, in an emotional speech. La Toya Nicholls presented the ambassador with a token on behalf of the JET Cycle.

At the reception were Dr Paul Byam, director, Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs; representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts; UWI; the University of TT; the College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of TT; the University of the Southern Caribbean, and members of the JET Alumni Association.

For more info on the JET programme and daily activities: https://www.tt.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html

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