News

Spring has arrived at the Asian Rural Institute (ARI), bringing with it new life and fresh energy. This season of renewal is extra special as we celebrate the birth of five baby goats! Our two adult goats recently gave birth—one to three kids and the other to two—adding more joy and vitality to our farm community. The newborn goats are already filling the farm with their playful energy, hopping around and bonding with their mothers. Their arrival is a beautiful reminder of the cycles of life and the deep connection … Read more

Blooming plum blossoms this week herald the coming of Spring.With the new season coming, ARI hosted two presentations for learnings by graduates of the 2024 program. First, Momoko, a graduate from Japan, reported on her one-month Asian Internship program in the Philippines, where she visited several graduates’ organizations in January and February. Her time with their communities gave first-hand experience in the major differences of development between Japan and other countries, including those of her classmates in 2024. She saw that despite economic challenges, they were able to mobilize local … Read more

The ARI community is happy to welcome two new Training Assistants TAs) who recently arrived to support this year’s Rural Leaders Training Program; Jeremiya (2019 ARI Graduate) from India and Veh (2018 ARI Graduate) from Malawi. They will spend the next year to deepen their knowledge through working at a particular section of ARI to tackle the problems of their community.TAs play a vital role in the ARI community, working alongside participants in farm work, food processing, and community-building activities. Their presence brings fresh perspectives, and we look forward to learning from and with them … Read more

In January, while the campus is closed, ARI staff convened with professional trainers to undertake an intensive 5-day course in non-violent communication.NVC starts with understanding ourselves. Trainers taught ARI staff the skills in observing our situation including others’ actions, savoring our feelings based on the situation, seeking and understanding our needs, then making a request of others to fulfill that need.ARI staff also practiced conflict resolution based on the skills of NVC, seeking to understand the feelings and needs of aggrieved members of the group. Even in a workshop-style safe … Read more

A new group recently arrived at the ARI campus – piglets! At ARI, we practice self-sufficient sustainable agriculture. This means that over 90% of the food we serve in our dining hall is grown and raised on our campus. This includes almost all our proteins: soybeans, chicken, and pork. We do not merely raise livestock, but raise life which sustains many other lives. These piglets are part of that cycle of life. At ARI, we learn to appreciate their role in sustaining life across campus and beyond. They will stay … Read more

ARI Graduate Outreach staff Steven Cutting traveled to southern Africa last August, and the complete series finished publication two weeks ago.The series is a combination of humor and beautiful photos of 23 ARI graduates’ hard work at home. Stories from the 3 weeks of travel bring you right into their local life, with all the ups and downs of community leadership.Some of the people Steven met will be training at ARI this year. Perhaps, if you’d like to visit, you can read about them first, then meet them…! Want to … Read more

Winter is a time for fun and adventure, and the ARI community recently embraced the season with a special community event—snowshoeing! We traveled to a beautiful snow resort in Fukushima, where we rented snowshoes and set out on a snowy adventure. Walking through the sparkling white landscape, we enjoyed the fresh winter air, breathtaking views, and the crunch of snow beneath our feet. Along the way, we stopped to share delicious sweets, had playful snowball fights, and simply soaked in the joy of being together in nature. At ARI, we … Read more

The Asian Rural Institute released the 7th edition of Euodoō – Journal of Rural Future Study in early December 2024, continuing its tradition of sharing profound insights and reflections that resonate with ARI’s mission. Marking the seventh annual publication, this special edition coincided with ARI’s 50th-anniversary celebration, featuring a collection of essays and reflections that highlight the organization’s focus on sustainable farming, community building, and servant leadership. Through these pages, contributors share their learnings and experiences, inspiring readers to join the journey toward building a resilient and equitable “rural future.” Highlights of … Read more

On January 25, the Asian Rural Institute welcomed supporters, families, and nature lovers for ARI Friends Day x Oohnata Marche Winter Festival. With the theme “Let’s Connect with Nature and People”, the event brought together learning, hands-on experiences, and community spirit. The Friends Market was filled with fresh organic produce, handmade goods, and delicious local treats. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to support relief efforts for the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, extending ARI’s commitment to helping communities in need. In the Forest Experience, participants of all ages enjoyed … Read more