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Dignity: Appreciating the Good from Sierra Leone

by Joyce Ray, ARI Volunteer

Originally written in 2023, we are republishing this text to accompany the upcoming issue of Take My Hand, containing updates from graduates in Sierra Leone. Get to know Ami from her time at ARI in this article.

Aminata “Ami” Conteh’s passion for women’s empowerment shines whenever she talks about her vision for the ten villages where she works. As a Field Officer with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sierra Leone, Ami helps develop a feeling of community among the villages of many tribes and cultures, where many single mothers and widows live. She promotes the idea that mutual support is beneficial and results from caring about each other. 

Her organization supports farmers by providing loans to buy seeds and wants to do more to improve agriculture so farmers can be self-reliant. Ami interviews non-farmers about what they want to do when funds are available. Some wish to buy goods in the city for resale in their village, e.g., Gari (a product of cassava), school bags, and supplies. A Village Savings and Loan project provides funds to start small businesses. Ami guides and monitors the businesses, trains owners to deposit regular savings, and helps them with long-range planning. These businesses enable women, many of whom are uneducated, to pay their children’s school fees.

At ARI, Ami faces the challenge of understanding differences while learning to live together. Though English is the language of ARI, sometimes different accents result in misunderstandings. Yet, in moments like seeing a workshop leader join the end of the lunch line, she is reminded about servant leadership and the importance of humility. 

Ami’s favorite classes were on Dignity. She learned that respect is shown by recognizing each other’s opinions and appreciating contributions. She says, “You can appreciate the good parts of someone and keep the negative parts in your pocket.” Her first task back in Sierra Leone will be to train the workshop staff in Dignity. Her prayer is to “let them see something in me that will improve the office standard.”

Ami’s new skills in participatory learning will also enhance her ongoing work of teaching Gender Justice. Facing prevalent domestic violence, absent fathers, and strong discouragement against women by male co-workers in society, Ami wants to create awareness of women’s rights among African women, teaching them to voice out and negotiate for their needs. She says, “ARI has transformed my life, and I hope to transform women in my community.”

Want to know more about Ami’s work since returning to Sierra Leone? You can receive Take My Hand through a donation to ARI via our US-based supporters organization, American Friends of ARI. Read more and donate here.

Rice Transplanting Season Has Arrived!

At the ARI, we carried out our annual rice planting—one of our most cherished traditions. Blessed with clear skies, participants joyfully worked together in the fields, chanting and moving in rhythm.
This year’s theme was:
 “Grow Rice, Live Happily and Say Goodbye to Hunger.”
It was a day filled with gratitude, as we reflected once again on the importance of rice in sustaining our lives.

This year’s “Class Photo Roster” is available on our website!

This year, we are welcoming a diverse group of 27 Participants and 2 Training Assistants from 17 different countries to our training program. We hope you will support and encourage them by learning about their work in their countries, their expectations for their studies at ARI, and their dreams after returning home.
Here’s the link for the website page →This Year’s Participants – Asian Rural Institute

Sports and Teamwork Shine at Volunteer-Led ARI Community Event

ARI held a community event focused on teamwork and physical activity in June. This time, it was a sports tournament coordinated by volunteers and held at the Minami Nasu B&G Marine Center

The theme of this event was “Cooperation.” In addition to familiar sports like volleyball and dodgeball, we included unique activities that could only be completed through team collaboration, and all participants gave it their full effort.

The day after the event, the participants were suffering from muscle aches, but it was a wonderful day that refreshed both mind and body through sports and allowed everyone to reaffirm the importance of working together.

A Conversation Between the New and Former Directors on ARI’s Past and Future

Interviewer: Jack Lichten (Ecumenical Relations)

Jack: Tomoko, thank you for your ten years of service. What stands out the most from this past decade?

Tomoko: When I became director in 2015, the campus was being rebuilt after the earthquake, and we were working to restart our programs. Five years later, COVID-19 disrupted everything. It wasn’t just a financial challenge—the borders closed, and people couldn’t come. I never imagined such a situation! It wasn’t something I could handle alone, so I had to consult with everyone and find ways to move forward together. Even in such difficult times, I had to trust that this was the place and the opportunity that God had given us.

Jack: From an educational and agricultural perspective, how has ARI evolved?

Tomoko: The farm has become more integrated. It used to be divided into separate departments, but now everything is learned in a more holistic way. Recently, a graduate from Thailand told me that back in his time, he only learned food processing, but now students gain a much broader understanding.

Jack: Osamu-san, in your work as the farm manager and assistant director, what do you think has been most successful over the past ten years?

Osamu: The integration of the farm has been significant. In addition, working closely with volunteers to observe, plan, and reflect on the farm’s operations has been valuable. This has improved mutual understanding among the farm staff as well.

Jack: What are your concerns about becoming the director?

Osamu: Previously, I was in direct contact with students and could listen to their concerns closely. As director, I won’t have the same opportunities for one-on-one interactions. I’m thinking about how to stay connected—not just with students, but also with volunteers and staff.

Jack: How can you apply your experience as a staff leader in your new role?

Osamu: The key is listening. When people, especially students, feel unwell or troubled, having someone to listen to them is essential.

Tomoko: What about accompanying students to the hospital? We often don’t have enough staff to handle it.

Osamu: That could be one approach—supporting them when they are most vulnerable. But not all cases end up in the hospital… (laughs).

Tomoko: Haha, true! But at ARI, there are plenty of opportunities to connect—like sharing meals and doing dishes together. Don’t worry.

When I first became director, I thought I needed to focus outward, traveling more to represent ARI. However, in 2016, while I was away on a business trip, there was an incident on campus, and we struggled due to the lack of a system for handling such situations. That made me realize that before focusing outward, I needed to strengthen our internal structure. Now that those foundations are in place, I hope to deepen ARI’s external relationships as a Managing Director moving forward.

Jack: Osamu, do you have a message for the staff?

Osamu: We are already doing this, but I want to further cultivate a culture of mutual appreciation. When we focus on people’s strengths, we encourage them to contribute even more. If staff embody this culture, it will naturally extend to students and volunteers.

Jack: Tomoko, after 10 years, what would you like to say to ARI’s supporters?

Tomoko: I deeply appreciate your generosity and support. The impact of ARI isn’t always immediately visible. However, it is truly remarkable that our alumni, working hard for society around the world, continue to trust and support us. They see their dreams in ARI, and having such friends is what keeps ARI moving forward.

Jack: Any final words?

Tomoko: Listening to Osamu-san, I realize that ARI’s core values have always been here, but we are now articulating them more clearly. In the past, experiencing ARI required being here in person, but now, with more publications and social media, people can express ARI’s value in their own words. Especially when alumni share their experiences and insights from their own communities, I have come to appreciate an incredibly rich and vast world. This has been a major revelation for me.

Osamu: ARI is a place to learn about all forms of life. It offers an experience that connects to the core of existence—not just the life within natural ecosystems, but also the human spirit. I hope many people will come and experience this for themselves.

ARI Strengthening Local Bonds Through Soccer

Recently, ARI and Ohtawara High School faced off in an exciting soccer match. Both teams showcased intense and thrilling play, captivating the spectators. However, the game was more than just about the score; it served as a valuable opportunity to deepen international exchange through sports.
Throughout the match, the players exchanged encouragement and engaged in a technical rivalry, transcending language and cultural differences. Soccer, with its universal appeal, helped strengthen the bond between the two teams. After the game, both teams celebrated each other’s efforts, and the atmosphere was filled with smiles and friendship, making for a memorable experience.

International University Researchers Present on the ARI Model

Since 2023, an international group of researchers led by Dr Albert Park of Claremont McKenna College has been studying “Rural Futures” — with ARI as a base for study. Researchers have visited several times over the last two years, interviewing Participants and surveying graduates on their work.

This month, the team returned to ARI to present their findings to the community. Powerful learnings and new suggestions for the future. We’re extremely thankful for all their hard work and amazed at the results!

Learning about Women’s Health and Hygiene!

At the Asian Rural Institute, participants recently came together for an eye-opening session on Women’s Health & Hygiene – a powerful mix of learning, sharing, and connecting across cultures.

Through interactive quizzes and hands-on workshops, participants explored vital topics like menstruation, self-care, and the cultural perspectives that shape women’s health around the world.

The session wasn’t just educational – it sparked meaningful conversations about women’s health.

Participants left inspired and equipped to bring this knowledge back to their own communities.