400 JAPANESE STUDENTS VISITED ST. FRANCIS INSTITUTION

400 Japanese students and 30 teachers from the Minami High School, Kangohima, Japan paid a tow-day visit here recently.

St. Francis Institution (SFI), the 120 year-old premier school in the state played host and the boys welcomed the visitors into the school compound with a lion dance display and the kompang team.

After a short welcoming speech, the visitor witnesses the renowned 24 Seasons Drum Troupe performance.

The SFI students then brought the visitors to the various historical sites and shopping complexes.

The Principal of SFI, Ong Chong Wee said that both Melaka and Kagohima are historically linked as they were visited by St. Francis Xavier in 1545 adding that it was appropriate that their visit coincide with the feast of the Patron Saint of the Mission which fell the following day.

Later students and teachers from both schools attended a luncheon at Equatorial Hotel where traditional Malay, Indian and Japanese dances were performed including the display of the SFI's military band.

Both the Principal of Minami High School Kimio Azuma and SFI's Principal Ong Chong Wee also signed the Sister School Partnership Agreement witnessed by the audience.

Azuma in his address hoped that the signing will cement their friendship and would developed into a closer fellowship and understanding between the tow school including an annual exchange programme covering education, cultural and social aspects.

Mingguan Melaka : 10 Dec - 16 Dec 2000. Issue 24

Copyright © 2000 by IKSEP, Melaka . Issue 24 (10 Dec - 16 Dec 2000)