7th SWYAA Global

Asembly Peru

2013

The Seventh Ship for World Youth Alumni Association Global Assembly (7th SWYAA GA) was an international event hosted by the International Exchange Organization of Japan (IYEO) and co-hosted and coordinated by the Ship for World Youth Alumni Association of Peru. The 7th SWYAA GA main purposes were to provide the occasion for the former participating youth of the SWY program from diverse countries and participating years to meet by sharing though strengthen their alumni network. Also, to provide opportunities for ex participants to learn about the culture and people of Peru, to be engaged in volunteer activities where they could contribute to the society and share experiences about post program activities, since the GA took place in conjunction with the International Conference for Post Program Activities during the first day of the event.

The 7th SWYAA GA’s theme was “Intercultural understanding and cooperation: 140 years of friendship between Japan and Peru.”, commemorating the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries.

The Official Program took place in Lima, from August 30th to September 2nd, 2013. The official ceremony to celebrate the beginning of the GA was attended by authorities from the the Cabine Office of Japan, the Japanese Embassy, Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the International Youth Exchange Organization of Japan (IYEO) and alumni representatives from all over the world. During the program, ex PYs interacted with local people and participated actively in social contribution activities focused in different field: sustainability, youth development and education. They also visited representative local institutions where they had a full experience on Peruvian culture and good practices in the areas of music, dances, arts and crafts; and gastronomy.

Furthermore, participants had the chance to go on tour around Lima's historical center, visit important districts like Miraflores to get know about modern Lima, and visit archaeological sites like the Temple of Pachacamac in the southeast of Lima. The official program was closed with a special farewell lunch. Participants enjoyed a Peruvian folk dance show and shared time reminding the best moments of the GA.

The optional tour (OT) to Cusco took place from September 2nd to September 5th, where participants went on a city tour, visited Coricancha Temple and ruins such as Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. The highlight of the OT was the opportunity to visit the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.