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Students leave for the U.S. to spread message of peace

by Yoko Nitta, Staff Writer

Students of Hiroshima Jogakuin Junior & Senior High School set off on a study tour to Mount Union College in the U.S. state of Ohio on March 23. The two educational institutions have enjoyed close ties for more than half a century. The students will further strengthen ties by appealing for peace and deepening cross-cultural understanding. They will return to Japan on April 3.

A total of ten students, in their third year of junior high and first year of high school, will attend lectures at the college and visit local welfare facilities. They will also take part in gatherings of students to pass on the true damage wrought by the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and make presentations on the efforts they are undertaking for the cause of peace. Mayuko Tanaka, 16, leader of the group, stressed, "I believe we can all share the view that nuclear weapons are bad, and I would like to speak out on this issue."

In 1952, Mount Union College accepted its first Japanese student, Yoshino Murakami, a graduate of Hiroshima Jogakuin High School. After she graduated from Mount Union College, she died prematurely. In memory of Ms. Murakami, the college established the Yoshino Murakami Scholarship, which has been offered to students who attended Hiroshima Jogakuin High School to study at the college. To further promote mutual exchange, the two schools have organized this study program, which will become an annual activity.

(Originally published on March 24, 2010)

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