Young ambassadors wanted for Japanese sister city tour

The 2020 Youth Ambassador Program launched this week and applications are now open for students in years 10, 11 and 12 (in 2020) to visit Japan and stay in Matsuura.

Cr Fran Mann said council was providing a $1000 scholarship to be used towards the

cost of travel for each student.

“With the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games having just been completed the week prior to the youth ambassadors’ arrival, there will be an amazing buzz in all of Japan,” Cr Mann said.

“The scholarship includes a week’s home stay in Matsuura and visits to Tokyo and Kyoto,” she said.

“Our Sister City Scholarship provides opportunities to students to learn new life skills, make new friends and give them exposure to a unique cultural experience.

“Japan is a hub of industry, innovation, technology, business, art, tourism, food, history and culture, so the program has many benefits and learning opportunities.”

To be eligible, students must be able to demonstrate an interest in Japan and its culture.

The ambassadors will depart Mackay in the September school holidays and they will be accompanied by two adult chaperones.

Students must be willing to participate in fortnightly meetings leading up to the trip (frequency may change to weekly closer to departure date) and provide their latest school report, which must include exemplary behaviour.

Based on last year’s tour, the approximate net cost of the tour after deduction of the scholarship is $2000.  Download applications from mackay.qld.gov.au/sistercity

Applications should be finalised and submitted to mackaysistercities@mackay.qld.gov.au no later than midnight, Sunday, February 23, 2020.