Welcome / History / About Mure Cho / Committee / Student Exchange / Adult Exchange
History
The Elberton, Georgia/Mure, Japan Sister City Program began in 1982 when both towns' City Councils agreed to establish the program. The Mayors of both towns officially signed the agreement to establish the program in 1983. This year the program celebrated its 25th birthday.
The Elberton Sister city Program is a nonprofit group of local citizens that works to create and strengthen relations between Elberton, Georgia and Mure-cho, Japan. The program is to enable citizens to become directly involved in international relations in a unique and meaningful way, bringing long-term benefits to both the community and its partner abroad. The Sister City relationship allows citizens to exchange ideas, gain an international prospective and increase understanding of global issues as well as development of economic growth to both parties. The Sister City relationship also builds the foundation for increased tourism, reliable business contacts, cross cultural awareness, and builds a personal bridge to world peace.
To continue to promote and strengthen relations between Elberton and Mure through cultural and educational exchanges, to promote tourism, international trade and commerce.
Continue relationship has been annual two week exchange of students and adults for a home stay experience. During the course of the program, 350 people have participated in this cross-culture experience. A similar number of families have participated by hosting the exchange's in their home.
The purpose of the program is to give students and adults the opportunity to learn about the respective cultural and to develop life long friendships between individuals. This experience helps the individuals to see the similarities as well as the differences between the two cultures and develop a sense of the respective town role in the world community.
The Elberton program is guided by a committee of 30 members of local government, business, civic, and educational community. It's funded by 25% from local government, 50% from the community through fundraising, and 25% from the participants in each annual exchange.