Today, April 1st, marks the beginning of the 2025 academic year at the Asian Rural Institute. The campus is once again full of life as we welcome 28 new Participants to the Rural Leaders Training Program and 2 Training Assistants. Over the next nine months, they will live and learn together, gaining hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture, servant leadership, community building and more.
This year also brings a leadership transition. After 10 years of dedicated service as Director, Tomoko Arakawa is stepping back. She will continue supporting ARI in a new role, focusing on outreach and relationship building. We are deeply grateful for her leadership and commitment over the past decade. Taking on the role of Director is Osamu Arakawa, who has long been part of the ARI community as farm staff. We look forward to seeing how he will guide ARI in the years to come.
As the new academic year begins, we also want to remind you about the ongoing Easter Travel Expenses Campaign. ARI facilitates travel scholarships for many Participants. Your donation helps support those scholarships, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent passionate rural leaders from joining our program.
This campaign runs until the end of April, and any support is greatly appreciated.
With a new academic year, new leadership, and a growing global community, ARI is excited for what lies ahead. Thank you to all our supporters for being part of this journey!
