Students from Nanae, Japan, recently visited Concord as part of an exchange program. (Photo Courtesy Concord-Carlisle Regional School District)
CONCORD — Nearly 7,000 miles separate Concord from Nanae, Japan — but for a week this fall, that distance disappeared in classrooms, kitchens and playgrounds across town.
Concord Public Schools and the Concord-Carlisle Regional School District recently welcomed a student delegation from Nanae, Japan, as part of a longstanding sister city partnership between the two communities.
The group, which included nine students and three adult chaperones from Nanae, spent their visit living with local host families and participating in a wide range of academic and cultural experiences throughout the districts.
The Concord-Nanae sister city relationship, now in its 28th year, began through the efforts of Concord-born educator William Wheeler, who more than 150 years ago helped introduce modern civil and hydraulic engineering — including the design of waterworks, reservoirs and sewage systems — to Hokkaido, Japan. That connection evolved into the William Wheeler Exchange, in which one student lived in the sister city for a month. It has turned into an enduring educational and cultural exchange that continues to thrive today.
This year’s visit coincided with the Commonwealth’s official recognition of “Hokkaido Day” on Oct. 22 and “Nanae Day” on Oct. 29 in Concord. Students from Nanae spent three official school days visiting Concord-Carlisle High School, the Ellen Garrison Building at Concord Middle School and Thoreau Elementary School, where they shadowed classes and shared cultural lessons.
At Concord-Carlisle High School, the visitors observed classes and hosted a traditional Japanese food demonstration — rolling maki sushi and shaping onigiri rice balls for more than 100 students and staff. They also joined students in the school’s PossAbilities Store, a student-run program where learners with disabilities develop workplace and life skills.
During their time at Thoreau Elementary, the delegation was greeted by fourth-grade student ambassadors with a cheerful “Konnichiwa!” and spent Halloween day exploring the school. They joined students for the annual Monster Madness play, enjoyed Pizza Friday in the cafeteria, played on the new playground and exchanged traditions, including lessons in Katakana writing.
The delegation also took part in community activities outside of school, including visiting the Concord Free Public Library’s Teen Room, exploring the Concord Museum and historic town sites and celebrating Halloween with their host families.
“Our partnership with Nanae gives students from both communities an opportunity to learn through genuine connection,” said Mme Pinto, who coordinates the exchange program. “They may come from very far away, but when they laugh and eat and play together, you can see they are truly the same. It’s very special.”
Earlier this year, a Concord delegation visited Nanae, where they presented handmade gifts created by Concord students and local artisans, including items from the CCHS PossAbilities Store and a collaborative friendship quilt.
“We are proud to continue this wonderful relationship with our sister city,” said Superintendent Hunter. “These exchanges teach our students about global citizenship in the most meaningful way, by connecting person to person.”
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