Do you know?
The Great Journey of
Rural Community Leaders
Join the arduous journey from rural village to the Asian Rural Institute of community leaders who hold a passion to better the lives of their people
Do you know?
Rural Community Leaders Who Are Changing the World
16 from Asia, 12 from Africa. 12 women, 16 men. Representing 17 countries and 4 religions.
This year, ARI once again brings together rural community leaders from diverse backgrounds.
They are determined to learn and confront challenges such as poverty, hunger, climate change, and social inequality for the sake of their communities’ future.
However, many cannot afford the travel expenses on their own. That’s why Asian Rural Institute raises funds through scholarships and donations to support them.
Due to soaring fuel prices and a weakening yen in recent years, travel expenses to Japan have skyrocketed.
Please help support the travel expenses of these community leaders who bring peace to rural areas around the world.
The Arduous Journey from Rural Areas Around the World to ARI
The Great Journey to Asian Rural Institute
Do you know? The annual travel expenses for rural community leaders studying at ARI total about 8 million yen.
ARI covers the travel costs for approximately 30 participants from around the world each year.
Before 2020, the total was around 4 million yen, but due to surging fuel prices and other factors, it has more than doubled to about 8 million yen since the 2023 academic year.
For the 2025 academic year, although the number of participants will increase compared to 2024, through dedicated efforts and innovative measures, travel expenses have been kept in check.
- Participants from Asian countries: Approximately 300,000 yen per participant
- Participants from Africa: Approximately 400,000 yen per participant
- Participants from Latin America: Approximately 400,000 yen per participant
Support the opportunity for participants to learn at ARI.
D0 you know?
Travel expenses have doubled compared to the pre-COVID era.
In the 2020 academic year, only a few participants were able to enter due to the pandemic.
In 2021, international travel remained challenging, so only domestic participants joined.
ARI is a school for the world’s rural communities.
Each participant’s learning enriches their community—benefiting up to 1,000 people behind them.
Fueled by passion, these participants brave a difficult journey to reach ARI.
As the COVID-19 crisis subsides and travel restrictions ease, soaring fuel prices mean that travel costs are now twice what they were before the pandemic.
For 50 years, our work has been made possible solely thanks to the unwavering support of our dedicated supporters.
Won’t you help shape the future of rural communities by supporting these participants?
The World Community Leaders from Rural Areas
So far, rural community leaders have come from 63 countries across Asia, Africa, the Pacific, and Latin America.
This is the number of leaders who have graduated from ARI by the 2024 academic year and are actively working in rural communities around the world.
Every year, about 30 trainees participate in a 9-month rural leadership training program.
Your support nurtures community leaders who are making a difference in rural areas worldwide.
Donation Options
With a one-time donation, you can support ARI at your convenience. Whether it’s during events like Easter, to commemorate your discovery of ARI, or to share in a moment of joy, we would be deeply grateful if you kept ARI in your thoughts as you journey through life.
Recurring donations form a robust foundation for ARI’s long-term, stable operations. With your monthly contributions, we can offer more leaders the opportunity for training, expand educational and experiential opportunities, and continuously support our participants’ growth throughout the year. This ongoing support helps them create even greater impact for the sustainable development of their home communities.
There are other ways to help ARI besides monetary donations. Whether through volunteer work, postcard donations, or helping to spread the word about our mission, you can contribute in many ways. For more details on how to help or to learn more about our activities, please feel free to contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
ARI Easter Travel Expenses Campaign
"Even with big dreams, I never had the chance to even visit the capital of my country."
Those living in rural areas possess limitless potential.
They are simply waiting for an opportunity to spread their wings.
For 50 years, ARI has thrived thanks to the warm support of many.
Your compassion lights the future of rural communities around the world and sows the seeds for a sustainable tomorrow.
Please support this vibrant institution, which celebrates the joy of renewal this Easter and practices the art of “living together.”
Voices of Global Graduate and Supporters
Sister
“ARI has made a significant contribution to peace education. For nearly 10 years, young men from impoverished villages in Indonesia have participated in our training program each year. Upon returning to their villages, they share their training outcomes, discuss which local crops to focus on based on what they learned, and soon the villagers begin working together as one. The village leaders continue to inspire and influence neighboring villages. Witnessing not only the unity of a single village but also the transformation of villagers into vibrant individuals who experience the joy of being human, I am truly grateful to ARI.”
Member
“I participated in Doshisha University’s ARI support project for 4 years. ARI is a unique place where you enjoy warm meals and friendly company, experiencing a deep connection to the world while nurturing both your body and mind. In today’s consumer society, I’ve come to cherish a lifestyle that values hands-on work and connecting with people through food. Inspired by the institute’s philosophy of changing the world through human resource development, I will be joining an education company this spring!”
Class of 2011
“ARI has become a special place where many learn about life, community, leadership, and sustainability in every action. It has continuously inspired and supported its alumni to keep working and making a lasting impact on their communities.”
Your support nurtures rural community leaders who are changing the world.
At ARI, rural community leaders from around the world gather each year to learn skills in sustainable agriculture and regional development. After graduation, they return to their home communities, using the knowledge they’ve gained to contribute to local development.
Your donation supports the growth of these leaders and contributes to sustainable progress in rural regions across the globe. Every contribution has the power to drive significant change.
Support ARI’s Initiatives