Ten Bahraini students have joined more than 270 young people from 12 countries taking part in the three-month 24th Ship for World Youth programme, a global youth development initiative.

Participants have already set sail for Japan and will visit India, Sri Lanka and Singapore twice to enjoy multicultural events and showcase Bahrain's culture and history.

The participants, aged between 21 and 30, are being sponsored by the General Organisation of Youth and Sports and had to pass a general knowledge test, interview and group discussion as part of the selection process.

Delegation leader Abdulla Al Qassim said young people from Brazil, Canada, India, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Egypt, Turkey, Peru, Venezuela and Russia were among those participating.

'Bahrain is the only country in the Middle East that got selected three times consecutively,' he said.

'It is a one in a lifetime opportunity and I expect to get a lot out of it. We have been preparing for the past five months.

'As delegation we are going to teach each other about ourselves, our country and our backgrounds as well as provide a presentation of 45 minutes to one hour about the elements and aspects of our country.'

Qassim said participants would also stay with a Japanese family for several days to gain an insight into their culture.

The event has been organised by the Japanese Cabinet Office. – TradeArabia News Service