Lecture - Who are the International Students? Bosnian Jasmina and Zainab from Pakistan talk of their friendship In their first formal event, the eight International Students introduced themselves and their countries to a packed and appreciative audience. As well as learning basic information about each region and the current conflicts, participants were given a glimpse into the personalities of the young journalists and some of the problems they face in daily life. Speaking in pairs, the IS gave character sketches of each other, reflecting the bonds they've formed in the short weeks since they first met in Tokyo. The IS relax together (clockwise from left) Uri, Dusan S, Saptarshi, Dusan C, Zainab Passengers laughed with them over a video shot on the ship by the two Dusans (who confessed that their country may no longer be called Serbia when they disembark) and a skit demonstrating the useful Japanese phrases the IS have learnt so far, with Indian Saptarshi as a beleaguered interpreter. Beyond the humour, however, they managed to reveal the more troubled side of their lives back home, speaking of the price that the general population pays for the actions of their leaders. Introducing their work for local NGOs, independent radio stations and newspapers they testified to their fight to report the truth in the midst of propaganda and misleading news coverage. The audience was also reminded that the students are onboard not only to work with each other, but also to represent the truth to a wider public. Walid sings a song in Arabic To conclude the presentation, Jasna Bastic, one of two International Student Programme coordinators, spoke of the aims of the project and how it relates to Peace Boat's work as a whole. She explained the importance of understanding the causes of conflict and how meeting others from conflict areas would give the IS the chance to put their experiences into perspective as well as realise that there are always people who want to negotiate peaceful solutions. She stressed Peace Boat's role in providing a neutral forum for discussing sensitive issues and how the NGO is working for a peaceful and decent life for all people, regardless of ethnicity and political or cultural background. Pilar, from Colombia, joined by members of the audience in an impromptu salsa session After the presentation, the audience was invited to satisfy their curiosity regarding their new shipmates. Some questions involved the restriction of the press and other forms of repression. Zainab from Pakistan answered that one reason the group was onboard was to raise awareness of their situations, and emphasised that they didn't need the audience's sympathy but simply wanted them to know. Other people asked about the IS's impressions of Japanese people and also how they felt when they first met their supposed enemies. To this question Walid, from Palestine, replied that since he came with a message of peace he had no problems becoming friends with Israeli Uri. Speaking for everyone, he concluded by affirming that all them were there to make connections based on shared humanity not nationality. Peace Boat's 39th Voyage index