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.
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 space, it was intense activity! But a powerful tool for building empathy for others.
At ARI, a diverse community of members live together in an equitable and inclusive environment. While this vision reflects powerful ideals, it is incumbent upon the staff to actually live those ideals in their daily life. With tools such as NVC, we come one step closer to making it a reality.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for the financial support for this workshop.
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 with us for a year as they grow up, but now we get to enjoy their cuteness!
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 warm up in this cold winter season? Take a trip to Africa with our stories from ARI graduates and more!
Click here to read the series: https://ari.ac.jp/en/africa-graduate-journey-vol-0-prologue?ari=news
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 believe that community is built not just through work, but also through shared experiences and laughter. This snowshoeing trip was a perfect reminder of the importance of taking time to connect, explore, and enjoy the beauty around us.
As we return to our daily activities at ARI, we carry with us the warmth of this winter adventure—proof that even the coldest season can bring the warmest memories!
We are sharing with you a series of travel logs written by ARI staff member Steven, who visited Africa in August.
The trip, which lasted more than three weeks, has finally come to an end.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to all of you who have been with us and read this far.
Let’s get started on our last trip to Africa!
【An African journey to visit ARI graduates, Day 24-26】
Heading home
Wow! After more than three weeks in Africa, Kai and I are going home to Japan. “Atto iuma” are the Japanese words that come to mind. Literally, they mean “in the amount of time it takes to say ‘ah,’” but they are better translated as “in the blink of an eye.” Yet, somehow, in that eye blink, I feel as though I have lived a long life episode. Here I have done my best to describe what my eyes, ears, and taste buds have learned about the land and people of Zambia and Malawi during this short sojourn. Especially, I wanted to draw out not only the “official work” of our graduates, but also their daily lives, in which you can see all the small invisible ways they are with their people; or to put it in another way, they love their people. I hope you have enjoyed reading these stories as much as I have treasured experiencing them.
Well, we are not home yet. There is still a bit more to go. As with the “getting here” travel experience, the days taken to get back also seemed to compress into one crumpled flow, like that wrinkled blanket. Mac kindly drove us to the airport together with Veh, where we met one more graduate! Martin (2013 ARI graduate) works in the far north of Malawi, north of Mzuzu, I believe, very far off of our travel itinerary. Business brought him down to our regions, but our schedules left us only about 30 minutes to meet and he came out to the airport just for this purpose. In short, we found out that he is now employed in a large ag company and that is about it. I suppose I should have pried a little more, but time was indeed short.
Kai and I said our goodbyes to MacDonald, our noble host of the last few days, and Veh, with her ever-animated character, even when she is not on the radio! After passing through security, we had a small toast with our last two bottles of Fruiticana (see vol.8) and used up the remainder of our unexchangeable Kwacha on some “airport priced” souvenirs. Truth be told, Kai and I both had several bottles of Fruiticana packed away in our suitcases. It’s just too good to leave behind. Inside the terminal we ran into two guys from the conference. They were heading home to Zim, through South Africa, on the same flight with us.
We had to spend a night in Johannesburg, but our South Africa sightseeing was limited to the airport and a hotel connected to it. J-burg has that reputation of being dangerous, and we were advised by a South African friend not to venture out on the town, unaccompanied. Undeterred, we headed for to a restaurant within the terminal that supplied us with our last mouthwatering, meat laden African dishes. I had pork, but I desperately want to usurp Kai’s memory of the incredible steak he had chosen from the menu. Apparently, I still had not learned my lesson of “always order what Kai orders!”
Breakfast next morning was at a popular South African chain restaurant called Wimpy Burger. One day I want to return to see South Africa properly. Just those few hours in the airport whetted my appetite. I could sense that out there beyond these bland metal walls was another adventure waiting.
We boarded our Cathay Pacific flight, and several movies later arrived in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, there was no time for the #701 noodle dish before our flight to Tokyo. Haneda airport was even more crowded than when we were leaving. The passport gate was overflowing with inbound tourists. Good for Japan, I suppose! Here, Kai and I parted company. It’s such a weird feeling to say goodbye to a travel partner after a long trip. You feel the bond of time and experience together shouldn’t be so easy to break as to simply walk in separate directions. But Kai headed back to ARI, and I caught my next flight home to my family in Oita.
When I walked through the front door house and flopped on the couch, I noticed that time had warped me to Monday afternoon, August 26.
Thanks for reading.
Until the next adventure…
Gratitude
Everywhere we went, we were warmly welcomed by ARI graduates. They introduced us to the communities they work with and eagerly showed us their activities. We felt truly cared for as part of a big ARI family and are especially grateful to John and Judy Nyondo for hosting us for several nights at their home/organization the Ecumenical Development Foundation AND for driving us far and wide across Zambia and showing us the best spots in this country that you can’t find in guidebooks. We also want to thank MacDonald for hosting us in his home, caring for us when we got sick, and driving us to graduate locations all over Malawi in his trusty Toyota!
This trip would not have been successful without the help and generous gift of time of our graduates! We also want to thank the American Friends of ARI for organizing the Graduate Convening and sponsoring Kai’s international travel to attend. It was full of rich moments of sharing, learning, and solidarity among ARI’s hardworking graduates!
Written by Steven Cutting (Graduate Outreach Coordinator)
Travelling with Kai Shinoda (Admissions and Recruitment Coordinator)
Click here to read the series of articles
Vol.0 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Prologue】
Vol.1 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 1-2】
Vol.2 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 3】
Vol.3 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 4】
Vol.4 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 5】
Vol.5 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 6】
Vol.6 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 7】
Vol.7 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 8】
Vol.8 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 9】
Vol.9 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 10】
Vol.10 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 11】
Vol.11 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 12】
Vol.12 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 13】
Vol.13 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 14】
Vol.14 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 15】
Vol.15 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 16】
Vol.16 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 17】
Vol.17 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 18】
Vol.18 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 19】
Vol.19 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 20-23 Part 1】
Vol.20 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 20-23 Part 2】
Vol.21 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 24-26】<== Now, you’re here
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 the 2024 edition include:
These contributions explore themes at the heart of ARI’s work, providing thought-provoking perspectives on how rural communities can thrive through intentional leadership, sustainable practices, and shared values. The journal also reflects on ARI’s rich history, celebrating half a century of empowering individuals from around the globe.
Whether you’re an ARI graduate, a supporter, or simply curious about how sustainable practices intersect with leadership and community development, this edition offers valuable insights to inspire action. The price is ¥800 + ¥430 shipping all over Japan. Please reach out to ARI if you are interested in buying the journal.
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 tree climbing and orienteering, discovering ARI’s beautiful natural surroundings in a new way. Exciting lectures also took place, including one by Thi Thi Win (ARI 2014 graduate) on her work with farmers in Myanmar, and another by Yoshihiro Kimijima, who spoke about sustainable food education in schools.
Throughout the day, new friendships were formed, ideas were exchanged, and a shared appreciation for nature and sustainability grew. ARI Friends Day once again proved to be a meaningful space for connection and learning.
We are sharing with you a series of travel logs written by ARI staff member Steven, who visited Africa in August.
In this log, we would like to share with you the activities of ARI graduates who gathered at the conference. Although I am sure that behind the great deeds described, there were dozens of times more hardships hidden, I feel that the learning at ARI is indeed contributing to improving the lives of people in the community.
Let’s get started on our trip to Africa!
【An African journey to visit ARI graduates, Day 20-23 Part 2】
AFARI ARI Graduate Convening
The American Friends of ARI (AFARI) organized a convening of ARI graduates in tandem with the conference. In this way graduates could benefit from the resources of symposium and also learn, share and just get to know each other. Three participants of the AFARI Tarr Fellowship program were flown in – Saidath “Sailove” Murorunkwere (2020) from Rwanda, Patrick Kullie (2019) from Liberia, and Mambud Samai (2018) from Sierra Leone. Graduates in the region were also welcomed, with AFARI paying for the conference fees, lodging, and meals, while they managed their own transportation costs. Two joined from Zambia, John Nyondo (1983 / 1993 TA) and Judy Daka (2001). This is the couple that kindly drove us the height and width of their country just a week before. There were another six from Malawi – Venitta Kaduya (Veh) (2018), Cecilia Mpinga (2016), Ernest Maganga (2014), Enet Nkasikwa (2013), John Chinkhata (2013), and Fr. Njala Banda (MacDonald) (2010 / 2016 TA). John Nday (2010) from the DRC (but working in Mozambique) also signed up, but couldn’t make it because of visa delays. From outside of Africa there were Sherry DeLeon AFARI staff, Bev Abma AFARI board member, and Steven and Kai from ARI. There were 13 of us in total. Sorry for the jumble of complicated names. Don’t worry, there won’t be a test.
During the days we attended conference events, and in the evenings, met for discussion. This was AFARI’s second Graduate Convening (I think), and the first one I was a part of. I really appreciated the atmosphere of this gathering as it meshes perfectly and the goals of my work in graduate outreach which are “Bringing the ARI Family Together,” and “Building a Global Community of Learning.”
A few updates from a few ARI Graduates
Here I will share a few words from a few graduates. This is by no means a complete account of their work and some of it is a repeat from above. It is meant to be a tiny window peep into their lives. Don’t worry, though, if you want to know more, we also have video interviews up and coming! Yep, I’m gonna become an awesome video editor just for you, and because their amazing stories need to be shared!
Cecilia from Malawi
“If you have a goat, people think you are rich!” I jotted these words down because they enlightened me as to why she chose to start a goat project. By village standards it is a clear action of moving forward economically.
Ernest from Malawi
Ernest works for the Hygiene Village Project (HVP) as a Program Officer, a position to which he was promoted after his ARI training. Unfortunately, we missed seeing his work firsthand, due to cancelling our trip to Blantyre. As indicated by the name, this organization focuses on water sanitation and hygiene under the motto “Everyone forever.”
They introduce eco-san toilets and teach people the hygienic importance of not using anywhere in the bush as a bathroom. I recalled seeing signs around the area saying, “this is an open defecation free zone,” and Ernest said these were placed by HVP. They also dig boreholes to give people access to clean water sources. Many people still get their water directly from rivers, which causes all kinds of health problems. According to the Malawi National Vision, universal access to clean water and education should be available by 2030, and by 2063 every Malawian should have achieved a middle-class standard of living. Ernest noted the challenges of climate change, especially the desertification that is happening all across the country. “Nature is fighting back, now,” he stated, citing the massive destruction of Cyclone Freddy.
“I lead by example. I don’t stand around. I have to get involved.” With these words, Ernest emphasized the importance of the leadership training he got at ARI. Before ARI he would go to a village and perform a needs-based assessment. Essentially, he would go in and tell them what to do. Now, he sits with the villagers to analyze the problems, hear what they think, and develop a plan together. By this method, the people have more ownership of the project. This is the approach of PLA (Participatory Learning and Action) that he learned in Tomoko san（An ARI director）’s class.
“The gap between the people I am leading and me has narrowed,” continued Ernest. “If I just decide, command, and collect reports, the people don’t own the project. The leadership approach of ARI brings oneness of achievement, when we plan and work together. I am even influencing the top management to lead in this way, and it is gradually sinking in.”
Enet from Malawi
After ARI, Enet became a full-time farmer, supported by her husband and the whole family. Through farming, she can raise her family and spread her knowledge through the community.
Judy from Zambia
Judy trained “home based care workers” to administer TB pills to community members who had contracted TB. The reason for this is because, even if given medicine, people often won’t take it. Because of the work of these volunteer health workers, there is now no TB in the community!
John from Malawi
After hearing Judy’s TB achievement, John was excited to share his. When he was still with the Hygiene Village Project, he went to a place near Lake Malawi that had a high rate of cholera. After working with them to build latrines and drill boreholes there was not a single new cholera case. He repeated the same scenario in another area with 78 villages!
Mambud from Sierra Leone
Mambud’s Farming on Crutches program has reached 350 amputees around the country. Recently they had a comprehensive training session for 60 amputee farmers. The amputee football team he started about 20 years ago, called SLASA (Single Leg Amputee Sports Association), was the first amputee football team in all of Africa! They compete internationally and were even invited to an exhibition event at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Sailove from Rwanda
Sailove shared about her one chicken per child project which is modeled after a national program called One Cow per Family. She wanted to do something for children because “my childhood was not good.” She was orphaned during the genocide killing spree and after that she never smiled and rarely talked, due to the trauma. Seeing her now, you would never know this side of her. Hardly a moment can pass in her presence without seeing a smile.
The children are each given a chicken and an avocado tree to care for, with a goal of nurturing leaders for tomorrow. Any child can participate regardless of religion or tribal affiliation. “There is no discrimination,” says Sailove, placing great emphasis on that point. So far 100 children have been provided with chickens and avocado trees. This whole idea was initiated by Sailove, and her organization has been a big support.
On Saturdays 500 kids gather to learn farming, arts and crafts, and do bible studies. Sailove herself is Muslim but the organization she works in has a Christian basis. This program is meant to help keep kids, especially girls, in school rather than going to get married at a very young age.
“When I came back from ARI, I started to think big. My eyes were opened.” Sailove also started a reusable sanitary pad project. Using cotton fiber from banana fiber, they make washable sanitary pads that are much cheaper than disposable ones in the market and can be used for two years. This idea came from sanitary pad class she had at ARI.
She also excitedly spoke of starting organic farming and teaching her colleagues and community how to do composting. “Thank you, ARI, that I became an organic farmer.”
Patrick from Liberia
Patrick explained that before he went to ARI, he was a teacher inside the classroom, but after ARI he went outside to teach hands-on with the kids. His first project was called “farming for education” in which he taught children how to grow small gardens to raise money for school fees. This later inspired the raised bed nurseries he presented about.
With money from the Tarr Fellowship he is starting vocational training for women and was able to buy an addition six sewing machines to add to the three they already had. He is also teaching them casava and vegetable production.
Written by Steven Cutting (Graduate Outreach Coordinator)
Travelling with Kai Shinoda (Admissions and Recruitment Coordinator)
Click here to read the series of articles
Vol.0 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Prologue】
Vol.1 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 1-2】
Vol.2 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 3】
Vol.3 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 4】
Vol.4 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 5】
Vol.5 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 6】
Vol.6 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 7】
Vol.7 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 8】
Vol.8 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 9】
Vol.9 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 10】
Vol.10 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 11】
Vol.11 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 12】
Vol.12 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 13】
Vol.13 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 14】
Vol.14 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 15】
Vol.15 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 16】
Vol.16 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 17】
Vol.17 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 18】
Vol.18 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 19】
Vol.19 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 20-23 Part 1】
Vol.20 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 20-23 Part 2】<== Now, you’re here
Vol.21 【The African journey to visit ARI graduates Day 24-26】To Be Continued …
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