Education Bureau confirmed on Nov. 21 that it has withdrawn from the Japanese government's "Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) Programme," canceling a planned student exchange trip to Japan next month, citing safety concerns. The decision comes as the Security Bureau updated its travel alert system, noting an increasing trend of attacks against Chinese citizens in Japan since mid-year and advising Hong Kong residents planning to travel to or already in Japan to remain vigilant.
The student and teacher delegation, selected by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's Education Bureau, was originally scheduled to visit Japan from Dec. 7 to 13 for the exchange program. The bureau stated that the decision to withdraw was made after careful consideration to ensure the safety of students and teachers.
According to the Education Bureau's website, Hong Kong has been invited to participate in the program since 2008. The program aims to promote mutual understanding in East Asia and deepen Hong Kong students' knowledge of Japan through participation in Japanese school classes, homestays with Japanese families, and visits to ancient capitals and landmarks. All expenses for the program, including airfare, local transportation, meals, and accommodation, are covered by the Japanese government.
Additionally, Japanese media reported that some Hong Kong secondary schools have requested the cancellation of exchange activities by Japanese universities in Hong Kong. In response to inquiries, the Education Bureau stated that it does not comment on individual cases and that schools may make appropriate adjustments to their external exchange activities based on varying circumstances.
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