Lao Participating youth get ready for the cruise !

Two months ago young people around the world celebrated International Youth Day, which fell on August 12. In Laos, young people play an important role in the country's development and are often considered the backbone of the nation.

The Ship for Southeast Asian Youths Programme (SSEAYP), which is supported by the government of Japan and Asean member countries, provides an opportunity for young people from Southeast Asia to get together and share their perspectives on various issues.

The SSEAYP is an annual programme that brings together over 300 young people from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and Japan. They have the unique opportunity of sharing their lives for a period of 53 days on board the ship Fuji Maru.

The programme is well-known in Laos and attracts hundreds of applicants each year. Although demand is very high, only 29 applicants are successful.

Mr Vatthana Atanaphone, a previous participant in the programme, said its purpose is to promote friendship and mutual understanding among young people in Japan and Southeast Asian nations, to broaden their perspective on the world and to strengthen their motivation and abilities in international cooperation by participating in various activities both on board the ship and in the countries they visit.

Lao participants expect to broaden their horizons and gain new experiences. Gaining a deeper understanding of other nations' cultures, languages, and society are other attractions of being involved in the programme. They can also strengthen bonds and cooperation between youth-related organisations in Asean countries and Japan.

Mr Vatthana said he applied for the programme because he wanted to gain more international experience through the various activities included. The opportunity to visit several countries and learn more about various subjects was also a crucial aspect in his decision to apply.

He said he looked closely at what was involved before he applied. A part-time law student, he said that being a high achiever in his field was not sufficient to get selected, but good preparation, communication skills and a touch of luck were needed.

During the voyage, participants engage in debates on social and youth matters, as well as taking part in cultural, sport and recreational activities. Activities at each port-of-call include interaction with local youngsters, courtesy calls on dignitaries, community service and home stays.

Lao participants put on performances of traditional songs and dances, along with representatives from other countries.

Each Asean country selects 29 people for the programme, along with 40 from Japan. This year's participants will board the ship in Japan on October 24 and return on December 16 after visiting seven countries.

The SSEAYP was established in January 1974 with Japan and five Asean countries involved. Laos began taking part in 1998.