Day 1 - The Journey Begins ... ...

with the Riverlites meeting Mr Mah who had just returned from the Surabaya Trip and connecting with the Japan Homestay Programme.

Mr Mah set the trip going with the traditional Ang Bao giving ceremony after a short briefing to the Riverlites.

  

Riverlites said their goodbyes as parents and friends joined in for a group photo before departing for Fukuoka, Nagasaki.

Rivevale Primary Meets Singapore National Academy (SNA) of Surabaya, Indonesia. SNA collaborated with Rivervale in this year's Homestay Programme. 

Arrival in Fukuoka International Airport and the first treat of the day is ice-cream!

Approximately after 2 hours, the Riverlites arrived at YMCA Youth Hostel in Nagasaki where they were greeted with a sumptuous lunch.

First item on the programme of the day is where a group of high school students who are part of an Abolition of Nuclear Weapon Movement in Japan talks to the Riverlites on what the movement is about.

Riverlites learning and sharing their understanding on the the effects of Nuclear Energy or Weapon and also wrote well wishes to the victims and survivors of the 2011 tsumani and earthquake.

The Riverlites taking a walk around the hostel and visited Urakami Cathedral which was one of the buildings destroyed by the bombing.

Riverlites reflecting on what they have learned for the day just before dinner.

Meeting Mr Hirose, a first generation atomic bomb survivor. Mr Hirose gave a vivid recount of what happened that factful day and how he lived to tell the tale.

The day ended with the Riverlites pondering upon what they have experienced and heard for the day and retired to their rooms as they prepare for Day 2 of the programme.

Stay tuned ... ...