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When I first knew you,
You were dressed in a long white robe
And spoke in very loud voices,
I called you an ARABIAN

When I first knew you,
You were quiet, afraid to speak English
But very busy with voluntary activities,
I called you a JPY

When I first knew you,
You were always colourful with flowers
And very graceful in your dances,
I called you an ISLANDER

When I first knew you,
You were always glued to a laptop
And could use all modern technology,
I called you CIVILIZED

When I first knew you,
You stayed up all night enjoying parties
And throughout the day acted strangely
I called you CRAZY

Now after 40 and some days-
I`ve tasted your culture,
I`ve seen your smile,
I`ve heard your laughter,
And I`ve felt your warmth,

I now call you FRIEND,
And friends forever we shall be.

Waves should not divide us,
Oceans cannot come between us,
And distance will not separate us,
For love and friendship
Will always hold us together.

I now call you FRIEND,
And friends forever we shall be.

Written by Telstar Newman, Vanuatu, H GROUP, SWY21

Vanuatu is an island nation located in the South Facific Ocean and in the East of northern Australia, North-east of New Caledonia, West of Fiji and south of the Solomon Islands.

The 21st Ship for World youth program will make a stop at Vanuatu for refuel, food and water supply. During this time, participants can have some free times to explore the beauty of this country.

Follows are some photos taken from Vanuatu during the 19th Ship for World youth Program 2007. Let's check them out.


There are many beautiful beaches and resorts around Vanuatu.


You can find fresh fruits and vegetables almost everywhere in Vanuatu.


Vanuatu is surrounded by dense forests and green is everywhere !


Local people enjoy swimming just right in front of their houses!


Beautiful resorts scatter along the sea.


White boats and beautiful sea.



Nippon Maru from faraway.

The itinerary of the 21st Ship for World Youth program 2009 is as follows:

- Arrival of the participants from overseas: January 14, 2009
- Program for overseas participants in Japan: January 15－22
- Departure from Yokohama Port (Japan): January 23
- Refuel, food and water supply in Vanuatu: February 2
- Port of call activities in Tonga (Nuku'alofa): February 5－7
- Port of call activities in New Zealand (Auckland): February 11－14
- Refuel, food and water supply in Vanuatu: Feb. 19 - 20
- Return back to Tokyo (Japan) March 5.

Participating countries for SWY21 are:

- Canada
- Arab Republic of Egypt
- Republic of the Fiji Islands
- Japan
- Republic of Mauritius
- New Zealand
- Kingdom of Norway
- Republic of Peru
- Kingdom of Tonga
- United Arab Emirates
- Republic of Vanuatu
- Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
- Republic of Yemen

Source: http://www.swyaa.org/swyprogram/index.htm