APCC

About APCC

The Asian-Pacific Children's Convention (APCC) is a non-profit organisation which aims to promote international co-operation between children so that they will grow into adults who have a strong sense of their identity as a "Global Citizen", someone who is aware of their social responsibility for people in every country or region.

The APCC, supervised by the Fukuoka Junior Chamber Inc. is sponsored by the Fukuoka Prefectural and Municipal Governments, The Board of Education and interested businesses and clubs in Fukuoka City.

Children from more than 40 countries throughout the Asian-Pacific area take part in the APCC every year. The children, "Junior Ambassadors", are expected to be able to be able to spend two weeks in a foreign country and to demonstrate the philosophy of the the Convention. The Junior Ambassadors are expected to make full use of their overseas experience.

New Zealand has participated in the convention since it's inception in 1989.

The invitation to Fukuoka is for 8 Junior Ambassadors, preferably 4 boys and 4 girls along with their chaperones (including ex-Junior Ambassadors, known as Peace Ambassadors "PA's") to attend the convention, which is held every year in July/August. Participants join a 3-4 day orientation camp followed by a 5-6 day homestay program.

Children take part in a variety of activities including homestays and school visits. These activities are designed to expose the children to other cultures and promote feelings of mutual understanding, tearing down the barriers of prejudice and racism.

Projects

1. Mission Project
To send Japanese children overseas and to deepen their intercultural understanding through lifestyle experiences there such as Homestay and visits to local schools.

2. Invitation Project
To invite children from the Asian-Pacific region to Fukuoka as "Junior Ambassadors" and to improve their international understanding through intercultural exchange programs such as Homestay, School Visits and Exchange Camps in Fukuoka, Japan.

3. Exchange Project
To promote cultural exchange between foreign children who participate in the invitation project with children and their Host Families in Fukuoka through Homestay, School Visits and Exchange Camps.

4. Support Project
To promote the BRIDGE CLUB (BC), a program designed to promote exchange between former APCC participants, and to plan and support new projects.

5. Information Sharing Project
To hold various events such as symposiums and forums where the participants can share and exchange their knowledge and experiences.

6.Human Resource Development Project
To recruit volunteers and work actively with them to increase their awareness of others needs. To continue ongoing education for previous APCC volunteers to equip them with the skills required for leadership.

Vision

The main theme of the Convention is "We are the BRIDGE - We connect dreams around the world". This theme embraces the creation of a new Asian-Pacific interaction at a cultural level, as well as fostering a feeling of friendship and peace throughout the region.

The stated objectives of the Convention are:
(i) For the children of the Asian-Pacific region to reflect on their region's cultural identity and appreciate the culture of other countries and regions
(ii) Promotion of mutual understanding among the Asia-Pacific countries
(iii) Raising children who are open minded towards internationalism, thereby influencing the local areas in which they live and nurture international awareness in youths.

History

The APCC was founded by the Fukuoka Junior Chamber in 1989 as part of the Asian-Pacific Exposition "Yokatopia" which was held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of Fukuoka City. The 1st APCC was such a success that the organisers decided to hold it again the following year. 2007 will be the convention's 18th year. Since 1989, more than 5500 Junior Ambassadors have visited Fukuoka.

In 2002 the APCC became an official non-profit organisation.

New Zealand's Contribution

~Click to see the Past Exchanges~

New Zealand's participation in 1989 was organised by the New Zealand Herald in conjunction with the Christchurch Star and the Auckland-Fukuoka Friendship Society. Nomination for participation was accepted country-wide. In 1990, the Herald received and invitation for the second Asian-Pacific Children's Convention. Since the Herald did not have the resources to undertake the project they asked the Sister Cities Committee of the Auckland City Council to take over the organisation of the New Zealand delegation. For similar reasons the Committee restricted application to within the Auckland City boundaries, additionally this seemed more appropriate as Auckland City is a sister city of Fukuoka.