Weeklong homestay, arts, sports, and civic activities deepen a 37-year relationship and inspire future global citizens. (Photo courtesy of the city of Encinitas)
Students from Amakusa, Japan, spent a week in Encinitas this summer, staying with local host families and immersing themselves in city life, from surf lessons and beach volleyball to visits with city officials.
The exchange continues a relationship that has connected the two communities since 1988, providing young people with the opportunity to form lasting friendships and experience a new culture firsthand.
“Through our Sister City exchange, we create bridges of understanding, inspire our youth to lead with vision, and celebrate the power of people-to-people connections,” said Encinitas Mayor Bruce Ehlers. “With heartfelt gratitude, we thank the hosts for sharing this journey with us.”
For 37 years, the Encinitas/Amakusa Sister City Program has offered a living classroom in cultural literacy, empathy and global citizenship.
Delegates and host families learn from each other in everyday ways – at the breakfast table, on the beach, or at city hall – creating connections that ripple through schools, neighborhoods and local businesses. Many host parents participated as students themselves and local youth who have traveled to Amakusa often return home as confident, open-minded leaders, according to a news release.
Quade Kelley, 16, a Youth Commissioner for the city of Encinitas, visited Amakusa as part of the exchange and said he “felt honored to add my story to this special Encinitas tradition.”
“This experience showed me how curiosity connects cultures and people,” Quade said. “I am grateful to be a part of this special youth program that celebrates the best of our beach town communities and inspires a lifelong passion for civic responsibility.”
The program continues thanks to the volunteer Sister City Committee, who coordinate exchanges, recruit host families, and maintain relationships with Amakusa.
“As a longtime participant – first as a student delegate, later as a host family and now as a committee member – I continue to be amazed by the lasting impression this program leaves on Encinitas and the strong friendships we build with our friends from Amakusa,” said committee member Isaac Trotta.
During the visit, the delegation experienced Encinitas through a variety of activities that highlighted the city’s culture and coastal lifestyle:
Surf lessons at Moonlight Beach with Concept Surf
Skateboarding sessions with Olympic skateboarder Bryce Wettstein
A Padres baseball game
A hands-on art class and music session at Pacific View Arts Center
A classic American BBQ hosted by the Encinitas Fire Department
Community dinners, beach volleyball and day trips with host families and local youth
To learn more or support future exchanges, visit the city’s website or contact Nicole White at nwhite@encinitasca.gov.
AloJapan.com