It’s The Small Things That Count

By: Alythea SIRABA

On 18^th of January, 2018, I arrived back in Port Moresby from one of the most memorable trips of my life. I had the opportunity to visit Japan; one of the worlds’ leading nation in technology and the use of sustainable and renewable energy. I had attended an eight (8) day, cultural exchange program “JENESYS” (Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange Students and Youths) which began on 10^th of January and concluded on January 17^th. This program is sponsored by the Japan Overseas Cooperative Association (JOCA); is supported dearly by the Japanese Government and facilitated in the Pacific by a coordinating team based at the University of South Pacific, Fiji. This study tour comprised of two groups: Group A – Disaster Prevention and Group 3B – Environment and Energy, and I was a member of the latter.

Over twenty (20) of us that participated in both Group A and B were Papua New Guinean students. During my brief stay in Japan I learnt so many new things and now have a much broader perspective of how I view a lot of things; in terms of the importance of having an inclusive society as well as, the use of renewable energy and developing in a sustainable manner. The main places we visited were Tokyo, The City of Kitakyushu and Ajimu which are both located in Fukuoka.

The Japanese people are well-known for how they reverence others, but actually being there and experiencing it was truly a humbling experience. For example, one of our first visits was to the Ministry of the Environment, Climate Change Policy Division in Tokyo, where we received a lecture on measures undertaken by the Japanese Government in relation to the Paris Agreement; this was facilitated by the Deputy Director of the Division. Whilst in the middle of his session, the Director of the Climate Change Policy Division walked in and immediately the Deputy Director stopped his presentation, faced the Director and greeted him saying “Sensei”, he then bowed; waited for the Director to fully enter the room, introduced him and after the Director had taken his seat, he continued his presentation. During that brief moment, the extent of respect the Deputy Director had bestowed upon the Director could be felt all throughout the room.

Respect seems to be a term overused in Papua New Guinea to the point where it literally has no meaning or importance anymore. However, genuine respect by individuals toward others and their property can contribute to order within a society and resulting in some form of transparency and accountability; I witnessed that the chain of command was followed rigorously and people dwelt peacefully together. Respect is an attribute that can enhance the balance in society whether we realize it or not; if absent in it can result in lawlessness and disharmony within the society and family.

It was a humbling experience for me, although it may have been a small gesture, it was one of life’s most valuable lessons learnt. It does not matter how high you climb up the ranks or how well educated you may be, respect must be given where it is due and that the respect you give to another person, speaks volumes about you as an individual.

Picture above: An essential part of the JENESYS Program is the home-stay experience where students from abroad spend a night or two with a Japanese family to experience the traditional Japanese culture.

This was written in loving memory of the late Mrs. Garua Peni; Mother and Mentor to all who had the honour of crossing paths with her as I did. If not for her warm, kind, caring heart and cheerful spirit, I would not have enjoyed the trip as much as I did, nor been well oriented with regards to what to expect throughout this program.

Photos by: Group 3B Members