Kildare and Wicklow ETB Newsletter Issue 8 | Page 25

Japanese High School Visits

Athy College

Athy College was delighted to welcome 15 Japanese students, principal and English teacher from Sapporo N High School. The students spent two weeks studying English and participating in classes of various disciplines at the college.

With a long history of over one hundred years Sapporo Nishi High School is well known as one of Hokkaido’s leading high schools with a unique culture and spirit. They have been designated a Super Science High School (SSH) by the Ministry for Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and are educating youths to be highly talented leaders with global mind sets in science technology and medicine, continuously working to improve their creativity and originality. Principal of Athy College, Richard Daly welcomed the students and their principal Hiroshi Maekawa to Ireland and to Athy. He commented on the existing links between the locality and Japan citing the Japanese Gardens, The Sundai School and Ernest Shackleton as examples.

“Our emphasis on STEM subjects can only be enhanced by this strong link with such a prestigious Super Science High School” he said.

Greeting the audience Principal Hiroshi Maekawa included Irish phrases in his address and said he looked forward to a close association between the two schools.

Role Model Ada Christine Eloji who is a part-time tutor with Kildare Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB) and part-time Project Worker with the Adult Education Guidance Service based in North Kildare and VTOS Leixlip where Ada Christine started her educational journey having moved to Ireland from Nigeria in December 2003. "Coming back as an employee in VTOS Leixlip, working with people who are experiencing the same things that I experienced on my journey is something I really look forward to. Returning to learning can be quite challenging but the benefit is worth the risk". Ada Christine recommends returning to learning through VTOS and BTEI.

Her hope for other migrants is that they will believe in themselves and have the strength and will to make a good life for themselves in this new environment. She hopes they will see the benefits of including themselves in their community and that they embrace their new lives with a positive outlook and that they too never, ever give up.

Success Story of Ada Christine Eloji – VTOS Newbridge and Leixlip