Wa Wa Wa (Unity, Friendship and Harmony)
The Ship for World Youth ­14th Program

On the 12^th of October, Bridget Curran (Morley) and Clare Pike (Padbury) set off nervously to join the Ship for World Youth Program (SWY).

In a time of political unrest after terrorist attacks and continued conflict in many countries, the SWY 14^th program was an extraordinary opportunity for youth to gather from around the world and focus on the similarities of their culture and to strive to achieve peace and harmony throughout the world. Facilitating cultural understanding and acceptance, the program gave participants the opportunity to teach others about their country, this included their culture, language, religion, costumes, geography, politics and history. Whilst in Japan the highlight was undoubtedly the homestay with a Japanese family for 3 days, where overcoming language barriers meant we were able to become part of another family so different from anything we were familiar with. It was here that I felt the enormity of the Japanese people and feel in love with the culture that is so unique to Japan. Whilst on the ship, there were opportunities to learn about and experience martial arts, African culture, a gospel choir, be involved in an orchestra, to learn about the Japanese traditions or even spend time listening in a voluntary activist club member share about their life.

One of the goals of the program was to discuss global issues such as globalisation, volunteerism, the United Nations and development. Seminars and discussion groups on board were an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas about the unique problems of different countries with the various participants, with issues such as the HIV dilemma in Africa and the treatment of women in some countries, taking a spotlight. This time of dialogue also illustrated the idealism of young people, no matter who they were or how big the problem was.

Everyday as I would sit in front of a beautiful sunset or simply watch two individuals from vastly different backgrounds- hug. Or I would learn a new talent such as Egyptian dancing, Japanese drums or how to speak Phillipino- and I couldn’t help but think I was one of the most blessed people in the world. So many people at home have asked me why the Japanese Government was so generous, and I’m not sure how to answer the question. What I do know is that it would be near impossible to facilitate some of the benefits of this program without creating such a unique experience.

Examples of these benefits are already evident as many participants including myself, now feel more empowered to go out and serve others and make the world a better place, using each other as a ‘peace army’ to do this. I found the program helped to break down stereotypes I held towards certain cultures and it also helped me to better understand why parts of our diverse cultures are special and important to embrace.

In relation to how I have been affected, now when I walk down the street and see a person, I no longer see a stranger, I see a global citizen that I can learn something from and share a laugh with. When I hear the mention of a country I have visited, or lived with on the boat, it triggers feelings of an immediate and deep affiliation to them. During the program, I no longer saw a Japanese person or an African person in front of me; I saw a human being with a unique identity. I may have appreciated the person as well as the culture before, but now I felt even closer to them because the first thing I now noticed about them was not their appearance but their personality and personal gifts and talents.

It is difficult to imagine the problems or trials upon reflection, which now dull in comparison to the benefits. Certainly we were challenged by a separation from family and friends and all our other supports within our comfort zone. We also inevitably improved our skills in communicating with people whose English was still not as proficient as our own. The only other struggle I feel now is the separation from the people, the boat and the experience, upon its completion.

I never predicted that upon my return I would experience a rapid increase in my desire to learn more about different cultures, more languages, and more dancing styles, and not from books, but people I can find in my local community that are from a different country and experience. I have an overwhelming desire to help other young people chase their dreams and reach their full potential. To encourage others to apply for similar programs and go out of their way to learn about the diverse cultures that occupy this beautiful world of ours.

I became a truly patriotic Australian, learning so much more about my country and constantly trying to think of aspects of our culture which were unique so I could show case it to the other participants. I realised how blessed we are to come from a multicultural country with so many broad opinions, which constantly challenge us to reassess our own values and beliefs.

So to those who ask ‘what was the point’? My answer is that, these young people who I now call family, were and will continue, to work towards a greater level of cultural understanding and international cooperation which will ultimately help prevent conflicts like those which already exist in the world today. Each person was further inspired to change the world in the way they have been called to do so, and apart from being a very grateful group of people who really appreciate the Japanese Government and Japan itself, there are now 278 youth around the world who will be able to spend the rest of their life realising the currently unknown fruits of this experience.

Clare Pike - Australian Delegation ­ SWY14
Read Lachlan Molony's story [Here]