26 Feb 2013

Batswana students who studied in Japan have established an association called Friends of Japan aimed at strengthening relations between the two countries.

Friends of Japan, will serve as a networking association connecting current and former students in Japan with the Japanese society as well as international society through cooperation with governments and civil societies, among others.

Speaking at the launch of the association recently, the Japanese Ambassador to Botswana, Mr Hiroyasu Kobayashi said the association would play a role as a knowledge database on Japan.

He said Friends of Japan would also strengthen the friendship between Botswana and Japan which needs to be nurtured and preserved. Meanwhile, the president of Friends of Japan, Ms Tebogo Leepile commended the government of Japan for the introduction of different scholarships since 2006.

The Japan government initially offered scholarship to one Motswana student annually until 2009 when the spots were increased to two. Ms Leepile said six students have already graduated under the Monbugakusho scholarship, two with PhD’s and four with Master’s Degree.

“As the relationship of both countries continues to grow, universities have also opened doors to those who will like to pursue undergraduate studies. In total we have nine students doing undergraduate studies in Japan,” she said. ENDS