Sister city volunteer urges expanded student exchanges with Amakusa, asks city for more funding

Carolyn Cope, a member of the Encinitas Sister City Committee and president of the Encinitas Historical Society, told the Senior Citizen Commission on Oct. 21 that the committee is working to revive and expand cultural exchanges with Amakusa, Japan, and asked the commission to consider a letter encouraging the city to provide additional funding for student delegates.

Cope reviewed the history of Encinitas’ sister‑city relationship dating to 1988 and described past exchanges that included student, art, education and emergency‑services delegations. She said the committee traditionally sent three students abroad while the Japanese partner sent more delegates, and suggested the city increase its funding so Encinitas can send more students. "Once you do a trip to Japan, it's life changing," Cope said, describing the exchanges as "fabulous."

Cope said early exchanges required volunteers and out‑of‑pocket expenses for chaperones; the program has since evolved so the city typically funds a Parks and Recreation employee to serve as chaperone. She recommended the city and community partners — including schools and service clubs — increase financial support to allow six student delegates in future exchanges.

Commissioners asked about funding sources and discussed the possibility of a letter of encouragement from the Senior Citizen Commission to the city council; the commission later approved a motion to send such a letter.