Host families sought for JATP students

MOSES LAKE - Moses Lake-area residents are being invited to participate in the Japanese Agricultural Training Program (JATP) by giving the new arrivals a taste of America - literally, through a home-cooked meal, and figuratively, through a few outings around town.

The 48-year-old program sponsors Japanese agriculture students for an 18-month training course at farms across the United States. The students spend the first nine weeks taking English, farm safety and farm practices classes in Moses Lake.

To have host families invite the trainees for a meal or to see the sights is a program tradition, said Doug Sly, public relations specialist at Big Bend Community College.

"We try to make sure every trainee gets to experience life in a local home," said Susan Blackwell, the program's English instructor. "They (the students) are always thrilled to meet an American family and practice their English."

The students live on the BBCC campus for the nine-week course, so host families are asked to provide transportation to and from the college residence halls.

People who want to participate as hosts can contact Teresa Mathews at BBCC, 509-793-2297.

- Staff report