Thanks to all your support, 27 participants successfully completed the Rural Leaders Training Program 2025! They are now ready to take on the world as new rural leaders contributing to their communities.
Individuals and organizations working in rural communities in so-called developing countries often lack the financial resources for travelling to Japan and participating in this training program. Without your generous assistance, their training could not have been achieved. We would like to express our deepest gratitude once again to everyone who provided support for this year’s program.

Participants who have completed the training are, in a sense, a Christmas gift from ARI to rural communities in the remote corners of the world.
What they will bring back to their communities is not money or material goods. Alongside the practical skills and experience cultivated through hard work, they gained the flexibility, the spirit of acknowledging, respecting mutual weaknesses and differences, through the overcoming of culture shocks  and reflecting on themselves and their communities.
For example, one of this year’s participants came from Myanmar, which is currently in the midst of a civil war. She shared her intention to spread organic agriculture, rooted in the ARI concept that “what you need is around you,” and to encourage people to achieve things through their own power, not just relying on external aid.
We aspire to improve people’s lives by nurturing grassroots human resources who work in areas where international assistance is often difficult to access, thereby empowering 1,000 people behind each leader.

As we wish for peace this Christmas, could you entrust us with your hopes for the next generation of leaders?
Please note that donations to ARI are eligible for tax deductions. For details, please visit the special page: https://ari.ac.jp/en/donate/winter2025

Furthermore, during this campaign period, we will be sharing daily messages on our Instagram and Facebook stories under the title, “What Gift of Hope do you want to bring back to your community?” featuring the aspirations of the 27 participants.
And we are also planning to hold a “Friends Day” event on January 17th, intended to allow our supporters to gain a deeper understanding of ARI’s activities and atmosphere and to foster interaction. Please look forward to it!