Japan

1723: Asian Rural Institute

Tochigi-ken, Japan

The Asian Rural Institute (ARI) is an international training ground for grassroots rural leaders. Each year we conduct a nine-month Rural Leaders Training Program, focusing on sustainable agriculture through integrated organic farming techniques, community building, and leadership. Working together we grow and share our own food. At the heart of the program is the concept of ‘Foodlife’ – a term designed to recognize and value the interdependency between life and the food that sustains all life.

Website: https://ari.ac.jp/en/home/?ari=info

Job Descriptions

The Asian Rural Institute (ARI) is an international training ground for grassroots rural leaders. Each year we conduct a nine-month Rural Leaders Training Program in which we
train about 30 local leaders from countries primarily in Asia, Africa, and the Pacific that they may more effectively serve in their communities as they work for the poor and the
marginalized. Running from April to December the program focuses on sustainable agriculture through integrated organic farming techniques, community building, and leadership. Working together we grow and share our own food. At the heart of the program is the concept of ‘Foodlife’ – a term designed to recognize and value the interdependency between life and the food that sustains all life. Christian in inspiration, ARI openly invites people of all religions. English is the common language. Volunteers are welcome, needed, and fully participate in this international community together with staff and participants.

Upon arrival each volunteer is assigned to a specific section and provided a working advisor to coordinate their work and give training when necessary. Typical areas of work
include the farm (livestock and crops), meal service, Ecumenical Relations(supporters,grants,etc.), publications (writing and layout design), recruitment, graduate outreach, and maintenance of machines and facilities. Volunteers are matched to the section according to their interest/talents and ARI’s needs. Volunteers participate in community activities such as morning and evening Foodlife Work, morning gathering, community events, etc. While no specific experience is required, skills related to the above tasks would be helpful. Seniors are very welcome. Volunteers should be ready and able to work hard, live simply, and be patient and open-minded as they take part in life in this international, multi-cultural community.

Our Mission:

The mission of the Asian Rural Institute is to build an environmentally healthy, just and peaceful world, in which each person can live to his or her fullest potential. This mission is rooted in the love of Jesus Christ. To carry out this mission, we nurture and train rural leaders for a life of sharing. Leaders, both women and men, who live and work in grassroots rural communities primarily in Asia, Africa and the Pacific, form a community of learning each year together with staff and other residents. Through community-based learning we study the best ways for rural people to share and enhance local resources and abilities for the common good. We present a challenge to ourselves and to the whole world in our approach to food and life.

Motto:

“That We May Live Together.”

Please read the statement about volunteering overseas in the FAQ section