News

The 45th Commencement Service

With the grace of God, we are happy to announce the Commencement Service of the Asian Rural Institute this year to be held on December 9th, Saturday. We would like to welcome you to join this Commencement Service to encourage participants who will be returning to their countries with what they have learnt and also with a full of hope.   Date: Saturday, December 9th 2017, 13:30 – 15:00 Place: the Asian Rural Institute, Koinonia House *After the service, we will hold a small tea party.   Nearest Station: Nasushiobara Station, Tohoku Shinkansen *We have a bus service from west exit of Nasushiobara Station for Shinkansen arriving at 12:22. 442-1 … Read more…

The Class of 2017

This year 2017 we have 25 participants from 14 countries (including one training assistant). It is always the goal of ARI to have a 50/50 male-female ratio; however, it is not always possible to achieve this due to conservative and often discriminatory policies of some organizations or societies. The most important point about the international participants is their devotion to their people and their commitment to utilize their training at ARI for the positive development of their home communities. Open PDF: The Class of 2017

Memorial – Sep. 18, 13:30, at ARI

Farewell to Rev. Kenichi Otsu Rev. Kenichi Otsu, Chair of ARI Board of Directors and Trustees, passed away in the afternoon on Thursday, 22 June 2017 at the Red Cross Hospital in Otawara, Tochigi prefecture, Japan. He was 73 years old. Rev. Otsu was born in Osaka, Japan, graduated from the theological division of Doshisha University (M. Th.) and Pacific School of Religion (CA, USA, M. Div.). An ordained minister of the United Church of Christ in Japan (UCCJ), he served as former Executive Secretary for Development and Service of the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA), Director of Japan Christian Academy Kanto Activity Center and Chairman of the Public Affairs Committee of World Conference … Read more…

Rural Leaders:  The Work and Community Impact of Graduates of the Asian Rural Institute

Whether you are new to ARI or a long-time supporter, you may find that explaining ARI – what it is, who it serves, and how it accomplishes its goals – is difficult.  This new book makes such conversations easier.  Through enriching stories and vibrant photographs, it takes the reader on a journey around the world into the homes and communities of ARI graduates, showing how they use what they learned at ARI to effect positive change.

“My ARI” ARI Community Photo Contest 2016 Summer!!

The first ARI Photo Contest is complete! We received several photographs from ARI community members (participants, volunteers, interns, working visitors, staffs). Their perspective on the daily life of ARI was captured beautifully! Visit our official Facebook page and vote for your favorite picture! ARI Official Facebook Page: “My ARI” Photo Contest 2016 Summer 4 best pictures are selected for 4 different categories: “Best Group shot”, “Best Landscape shot”, “Best Snap shot”, and “Best Supporters’ choice” Best Group Shot “It’s Fun in ARI” by Annie Jane Lagwan (Philippine) Comment from Committee: Happy, cooperative, joyful, good relationship. Those are the words that describe well about this picture. A shot from the community rice … Read more…

The Class of 2016

This year 2016 we have 28 participants from 14 countries (including two Japanese graduate interns, and one training assistant). It is always the goal of ARI to have a 50/50 male-female ratio; however, it is not always possible to achieve this due to conservative and often discriminatory policies of some organizations or societies. The most important point about the international participants is their devotion to their people and their commitment to utilize their training at ARI for the positive development of their home communities. Open PDF: The Class of 2016

Join our “English Farm” Programme 2016!

Invitation to join our “English Farm” Programme. Let’s enjoy learning English and Life with Agriculture! The theme for the coming programme is “LIF E AT (LIFE+EAT)” . It is a 3-day programme of English and Agriculture, especially with pigs as we continue from our last programme. We are going to observe slaughtered pig meat, experience slaughtering, and finally eat delicious fresh pork. We do not usually think deeply about “Life” and “Eating”, but these are the most important things in our lives. Let’s learn together with our pig farm staff Jil. You can also enjoy communicating with participants from 15 different countries during each meal and morning/evening foodlife work. It … Read more…

ARI launches Graduate Profiles Pages

Following its 40th anniversary celebration, Transformation at the Grassroots: 40 years of walking with grassroots leaders, ARI initiated a project to go deeper into learning the impact graduates are having around the world. It contracted with Steven Cutting, former ARI staff person, and Bev Abma, external consultant, to conduct a Graduate Impact Study over a two year period. This project was generously sponsored by the United Church of Christ (UCC) and the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). Visits to more than 230 graduates in 12 countries have revealed a tremendous diversity in the work of each of the graduates as well is in the contexts they operate and the … Read more…

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