A lifetime opportunity
AFTER a hiatus of two years, the JENESYS Program will finally allow students to be a part of hands-on experience in Japan. This youth exchange program is something 28-year-old Robyn Senilagakali is looking forward to. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program was held virtually but Ms Senilagakali signed up for it anyway.
“During that time I was a student at home and since I didn’t have much to do that summer I signed up and there were more zoom classes – you had a feeling of what Japan was like but not so much first-hand experience,” she said.
“When the program came around once more, those who had participated during COVID-19 were given the opportunity to participate again and that’s when I signed up for it again.”
Ms Senilagakali, who will be travelling out of the country for the first time, said it was an immense privilege to participate in a program as such.
“Coming from a Pacific Island country and given the current economic situation and everything being able to have another country sponsor your accommodation, airfare and everything it really is amazing – a privilege which I think any Pacific Islander will look forward to especially a university student.
“The program I signed up for was Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) so I am hoping to see how these prefectures actually utilise their land to support their people better, and maybe use or promote some of those ideas back here in Fiji as we are surrounded by a lot more land mass. There could be some principles I could bring back that would help our communities.” The 28-year-old who will be graduating in September 2024 said coming to the university was not only about getting qualifications as there were experiences and opportunities waiting on every bend.
“One could learn a lot of different things say for example, culture, structure and even principles. No one is limited to just what they know or what they will be taught as they can actually go further and get a lot more experiences and lifelong lessons that will help in the long run.”
Apart from studying law or reading academic journals, Ms Senilagakali enjoys watching anime.