JAPANESE VOLUNTEERS GET EXPOSED TO MALAY CULTURE

KOTA BAHARU (Malaysia), Feb 3(Bernama) -- Eight Japanese youths, who will
be involved with volunteer work at several schools nationwide, arrived here
today to undergo a special programme to learn the Malay language and Malay
culture and customs.

Under the programme, which is organised by Japan International Cooperation
Agency (JICA) and the Welfare Department (JKM), the youths will be here for 16
days before they start their volunteer work at their respective locations on Feb
21.

Kelantan JKM Coordinator of Rehabilitation in the Community Programme (PDK),
Nor A'sikin Hamzah said the youths would be staying with foster families to
pick up the language and learn Malay culture and customs during their stay
here.

"They will then be sent to their respective destinations, including in Sabah
as instructors in schools,” she told reporters here Wednesday.

Meanwhile, JICA Volunteer Programme Coordinator Miura Yasuo said 39 Japanese
youths had been serving as voulnteers in Malaysia for the past two years.

A volunteer, Aoi Takayama, 31, said she was very excited to be in this
country and was looking forward to enjoying Malaysian food in addition to
getting to know the people apart from learning the Malay language.

"I love to be in Malaysia and I can speak a little bit of Malay,"
said the Kobe lass.

-- BERNAMA