THE Japanese Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme hailed its largest Jamaican contingent in its 15-year history two Fridays ago as 34 of the 40 successful participants were treated to a send-off at the Japanese Ambassador’s residence on Seaview Avenue in Kingston.

Last year 24 Jamaicans were selected for the programme; in 2013 there were 18; 2012 saw 19; and the year before that, 15.

“The growth of this programme since 1987 reflects that in a world so culturally diversified, people do have a passion to know and learn about each other outside of their environs,” Ambassador Masanori Nakano told his guests.

Minister of Education Ronald Thwaites echoed the Ambassador’s words.

“The JET Programme is one of the most effective educational partnerships and its participants get to share brand Jamaica with Japan,” he said.

Matthew Palmer, JET Programme co-ordinator, explained that the increase in numbers has been due to a greater effort on the part of the Japanese Embassy to spread the word about JET through local high schools and tertiary educational institutions. Six of the 40 were sent ahead in April, while the 34 at the reception will leave the island tomorrow.

Once in Japan, JET participants will spend a year assisting local English teachers at various institutions across the country.

The 34 are: Josephine Allen, Camille Barrett, Tresha Barrett, Davia Bedward, Tashika Bennett, Keneisha Bennett, Ithomar Bond, Tamarrah Brown, Samouye Brown, Andrea Burrell, Jillian Chambers, Jodi-Ann Duhaney, Leiso Edwards, Ramona Francis, Robyn Guthrie, Keron Hall, Toni-Ann Lewis, Lesia Lloyd, Samantha Miles, Orrette Muir, Nadine Muschette, Aeika Pitter, Leon Reynolds, Bridgette Roye, Jodi-Ann Simpson, Denise Sinclair, Kerona Slater, Brain Stewart, Renae Thompson, Joleen Tomlinson, Carolyn Whittingham, Denise Wiley, Tameka Wilson, and Shikisha Cowan.

— Rory Daley