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Base teens connect with Okinawans

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Rey Ramon
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
Thanks to a new initiative designed to promote cultural exchange, local Okinawans are practicing their English skills and nurturing friendships with teens from Kadena Air Base every first and third Wednesday of the month. 

The local Kadena Language Institute and Kadena's Teen Center Millenium have come together to create an exchange program where Okinawan students between the ages of 18 and 21 socialize with American students between the ages of 16 and 17 to practice language skills and learn about each other's other culture. 

"The program started a month ago to give our students an opportunity to practice their English skills," said Kenny Ehman, KLI teacher. "It will help them foster friendships with Americans and possibly use those skills later on to get jobs on base." 

A student from KLI visited Kadena Air Base for the first time and was excited about the kindness and generosity from the students at the Teen Center. 

I hope through this exchange I will be able to make long-term friendships and improve my English conversational skills, said Yoshimi Uno who is 21-years-old. 

"There doesn't seem to be much of a problem with the age difference," said Mr. Ehman. "They get along very well and share many common interests such as music and sports."
This is a really good program for us to interact with the students from KLI, said Travis Wyatt, 15. "I'm meeting new people and learning a new language." 

The students from KLI and the Teen Center met for the fourth time this week and participated in ice-breaking activities. 

"When the program first started, it was difficult for them to interact," said Mr. Ehman. "But we're figuring out what works as we go. This last time we figured out what activities were successful, and it has helped them to communicate with each other in small groups."