East Asia Future Leader Programme (Youth Exchange)

1.      The Purpose:Targeting candidates to lead and forge the future of the next generation in various countries, this programme aims to promote a better understanding of Japan as well as cultivating future leaders with an understanding of Japan in the various layers of society and fields through discussions on critical issues in East Asia so as to build-up a human network in the East Asia.As for the first year, in relation with the G8 Hokkaido-Toyako Summit 2008, the theme "Environment: Symbiosis with Nature, and a Sustainable Society" is taken up. This programme is being implemented as part of the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange of Students and Youths (JENESYS) Programme.

 2.      The Numbers of Participants and Countries: 50 participants from 15 countries-          ParticipantsElementary- and secondary-school teachers: 25 peopleNGO/NPO members: 25 people-          CountriesAustralia, China, India, Korea, and New Zealand, plus 10 ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) (15 countries in total)  * Please refer to the attachment for the breakdown of the number of participants from each country.

 3.      Itinerary: Tuesday, June 3, 2008 – Monday, June 16, 2008 / 14 days 

【Sample Itinerary】

Day	Itinerary		Lodging Place
	Morning	Afternoon
1 (3/6Tue)	Arrival in Japan		Tokyo
2 (4/6Wed)	Program OrientationLecture on environment 1	Courtesy call to MOFALecture by MOE	Tokyo
3(5/6Thu)	Travel to Kagawa prefecture	Courtesy call on the governor of KagawaLecture on environment 2Visit companyWelcome reception	Takamatsu
4 (6/6Fri)	Visit local government facilities 1	Visit local government facilities 2	Takamatsu
5 (7/6Sat)	Lecture on environment 3	Stay at host homes	Takamatsu
6 (8/6Sun)	Stay at host homes	Visit NGO/NPO 1Travel to Kyoto	Kyoto
7 (9/6Mon)	Lecture on environment 4	Visit NGO/NPO 2	Kyoto
8 (10/6Tue)	Visit NGO/NPO 3	Ecotourism experiences	Kyoto
9 (11/6Wed)	Visit historical and cultural places in Kyoto		Nara
10 (12/6Thu)	Visit historical and cultural places in Nara	Travel to Tokyo	Tokyo
11 (13/6Fri)	Lecture on environment 5Visit school 1	Visit school 2	Tokyo
12 (14/6Sat)	Free		Tokyo
13 (15/6Sun)	Free	SymposiumFarewell reception	Tokyo
14 (16/6Mon)	Departure

 4.      Duties of the Japan Foundation Overseas Offices and Japanese Embassies:The Japan Foundation Overseas Offices and Japanese Embassies (hereafter referred to as “Overseas Offices”) are requested to recommend candidates in consultation with the agencies and/or institutions concerned (e.g., Ministry of Education, local Board of Education) in the countries of their assignment, and submit “list of candidates”, “participant's datasheet”, “Questionnaire for Home stay/visit”, and “health check sheet” until May 2, 2008.Overseas Offices are also requested to carry out the procedures necessary for this program (e.g., issuing visas to enter Japan, etc.).  

5.      Selection procedures:            

Eligibility:

(i)             Teachers-  Those elementary and secondary school teachers who are engaged in or interested in environmental education, and who are expected to remain in their profession for at least a further 10 years. -  Those in charge of administration of environmental education of elementary and secondary schools, who preferably have past teaching experience.

(ii)             NGO/NPO members-  NGO/NPO members who are engaged in environmental problems on a small scales, and who are expected to remain in their profession for at least a further 10 years.

(iii)          Both teachers and NGO/NPO-   Fair English proficiency. They should understand lectures on environment and environmental education and be able to exchange opinions with other participants.-   In principle, those who are 35 years of age or younger.-   Participants should be in good health.-   Participants shall have not been invited to Japan by the Japan Foundation previously.-   Participants shall have not previously stayed in Japan for a long period of time (more than one month).                       

Remarks:

(i)             A male/female balance of participants should be considered.

(ii)          Participants shall agree on the following conditions of the itinerary:-             Take the flights arranged by the Japan Foundation (extended stays in Japan  and/or stopovers at transit points are not allowed);-             Stay at the hotels or Japanese inns arranged by the Japan Foundation;-             Participate in all the Tour activities;-             The spouse or children shall not be allowed to accompany the invitees, even at their own expense. 

6.      Expenses to be borne by the Japan Foundation

The Japan Foundation shall bear the direct costs of the Tour listed below:

(i)                   One round-trip (international airfares are limited to IATA PEX class) ticket between Tokyo (Japan) and the airport nearest the participant’s home residence. The reservation shall be made by the Japan Foundation and, by using the PTA method (Pre-Paid Ticket Advice), the ticket shall be sent to the airline office nearest to the participant’s residence;

(ii)                Accommodation;

(iii)              Food expenses;

(iv)               Domestic transportation in Japan;

(v)                  Admission fees;

(vi)               Visa application fees if necessary in transit places;

(vii)             Accommodation and food expenses if necessary in transit places;

(viii)          Travel Insurance.All participants will be covered by a group traveler’s personal illness/accident insurance policy during their stay in Japan. The type of benefits and the amount of benefits are as shown below:

* Personal baggage or other personal effects are not covered by the insurance policy.* Expenses of a personal nature should be covered by participants. 

The four musketeers: From Left: Ke Shin, Asyhikin (with headscarf), Chiew Yen (with specs) and Andy. Hopefully, the other three WWP members will get their turn to go for training soon.