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Wa Wa Wa (Unity, Friendship and Harmony)
The
Ship for World Youth 14th Program
As any ex-Participant Youth could tell you, two months at sea on the Ship For World Youth is a fantastic
and intense experience. And that's not to mention the initial days of the program in Japan, immersed in
the surrounds of digital GPS driving screens and photo swallowing mobile phones, bonsai and wasabi. I love
Japan. For all its crazy contrasts, where youthful energy and trend-setting fashion batters against an ancient
traditional culture. Tokyo was amazing and the treatment we received from the Japanese government prompts
a gratitude beyond words. A gratitude which only grew as the trip went on. Arriving on the ship for the first
time, we were overwhelmed at our welcome by the Japanese Participant Youths and as the adrenalin pumped and
the boisterous greetings resounded through the boat, I realised just how happy I was to be a part of this
program. The parties began that night in the upstairs Piano Lounge, thanks largely to the purchase of a
powerful stereo by the United Arab Emirates delegation, becoming a permanent fixture for the rest of the
journey. As the 'official' side of the program got under way we cherished
the opportunity to enjoy the
national presentations, where our friends showcased their respective countries and cultures. We listened
to diverse opinions and had the chance to voice our own. We learnt about common themes through uncommon views.
We practised crafts we'd never heard of before and played sports that we'd always wanted to.
A highlight for me was the opportunity to scream my lungs out from under the oppressive armour of a kendo
outfit as I swung my bamboo sword wildly at my fellow Australian, Andrew from Adelaide, in front of a full
house of spectators. And yes, he won. But it was fantastic fun. As the days drained away and the end of the
program approached I began to realise just how much I would miss my new friends. Friendships formed under
circumstances like no others. Where your job, your education and your place of residence were insignificant.
What mattered was the individual. How they felt. How they reacted in different situations. What they added
to the program. The SWY14 has given me so much. I am at a loss to express my gratitude that such a program
exists, let alone that I was so privileged as to be a part of it. So thank you to the Japanese government,
thank you to my fellow Aussie delegates and thank you to the SWY alumni association for the time of my life.
Lachlan Molony - Australian Delegation SWY14
read Clare Pike's story [Here] |
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