When I-Kiribati student Teuee Gulugulu Teagai chose to study agriculture in Samoa she did not realise this decision would open up a world of possibilities for her.

She was the few chosen from Samoa to be part of the an exchange programme to Japan. Her theme was peace building and to her the theme was quite relevant, as peace is essential for food security, sustainable development and the well-being of any nation.

She shared her experience and mentioned how fortunate she was to be selected as a participant. 

"Traveling to Japan through the JENESYS Programme was an incredible and eye-opening experience for me. My theme for the program was Peace Building, which was centered in Hiroshima," she said.

"This journey allowed me to visit many important places that symbolise peace, and it also gave me a chance to learn about Japanese culture through a homestay experience.One of the most memorable moments of my trip was visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. The museum and the monuments there reminded me of the tragic past and the innocent lives lost during the war. 

"Standing in front of the monument, I felt deep sorrow for those who suffered, and it strengthened my belief in the importance of peace. The visit was a powerful reminder of why we must continue to promote harmony and understanding among different nations.

"Apart from exploring Hiroshima’s history, I also had the opportunity to experience Japanese culture firsthand. I stayed with a wonderful host family, the Hisano family, who welcomed me warmly. During my homestay, I participated in many cultural activities, such as wearing a traditional samurai outfit and watching a Kagura performance, which is a sacred form of Japanese dance and theater. 

"I also had the chance to go skiing, which was an exciting and fun experience for me. One of the most special moments was exchanging gifts with my host family. I shared a gift from my home country, Kiribati, and in return, they gave me a meaningful souvenir from Japan. This exchange symbolised the friendship and cultural connection we built during my stay."

The 19-year-old is encouraging students from the Pacific to be part of the JENESYS program. It is an opportunity to learn about history, culture, and the importance of peace.

"As young people, we must always choose peace over conflict and ensure that the mistakes of the past are never repeated. By embracing understanding and friendship among nations, we can build a better future for our world," she said. 

"Overall, my trip to Japan through the Jenesys Programme was an unforgettable experience. It not only deepened my understanding of peace and history but also allowed me to appreciate and embrace Japanese culture. Through this journey, I have gained valuable lessons and friendships that I will cherish forever. I hope to share what I have learned with others and continue promoting peace and cultural understanding."