AFARI is the US-based non-profit fund-raising and support organization for the Asian Rural Institute (ARI). ARI is an international training center in Japan. Participants from developing countries in Asia, Africa and the Pacific are invited to study at ARI for nine months in sustainable, organic agriculture techniques, leadership and community development. ARI invites 25 to 30 grassroots rural leaders to study at Nasushiobara, Japan, every year.

 

"Take My Hand" December, 2008 Issue Online

The December, 2008 issue of "Take My Hand" is now online.

Articles include:

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posted by Craig D. Rice @ Wednesday, December 10, 2008 - 8:15 AM
 

AFARI SAFARI III Concluded; Information Online

AFARI SAFARI III (October 7-20, 2008) has concluded.

The trip included six days at ARI preparing for and assisting with the 2008 ARI Harvest Thanksgiving (HTC) Celebration, followed by a visit to Nikko, then a seven day Northern Japan Study Tour.

The details, including the Northern Japan Study Tour itinerary, the HTC programs, related documents and handouts, and pictures are now available on the AFARI SAFARI III page.

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posted by Craig D. Rice @ Friday, October 31, 2008 - 9:15 AM
 

Three New Blogs

We have linked three new blogs on the AFARI Blogs and Links page:

Maria and Rod's Space documents the experiences of Maria and Rod Booth (AFARI Board Member) as volunteers at ARI.

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posted by Craig D. Rice @ Sunday, July 13, 2008 - 7:59 AM
 

AFARI Represented at the Presbyterian General Assembly in San Jose

AFARI had a table at the Mission network event outside the exhibit hall at Presbyterian General Assembly in San Jose for three hours on Sunday afternoon, June 22.

Here, Ram shares volunteer opportunities with a visitor while J.B. talks with a Rwandan pastor interested in how ARI's leadership training/sustainable agriculture focus enables pastors in rural areas to help their communities become healthier with local ideas and leadership.





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posted by Craig D. Rice @ Wednesday, June 25, 2008 - 8:24 AM
 

Benefit Concert for ARI in CT

On May 18, 2008, the combined choirs of First Congregational Church (Branford, CT) and First United Church on the Green (New Haven) presented a stirring performance of Brahms' Requiem at the Branfourd Church. The Benefit Concert for Asian Rural Institute was made possible by the Friends of Music, United Church on the Green, and the Marjorie and Ford Dickie Memorial Music Fund of First Congregational Church, Branford. Pre-concert special gifts were given by members of both churches -- many in honor of Roger Manners, former pastor of the Branford Church and founder of American Friends of ARI -- and a free-will offering added to the support which will be received by ARI.

Both congregations had ARI-awareness events in April which familiarized many people new to ARI with its mission. So thoughtfully planned by choir directors Rev. Kathryn Nichols and Dr. Mark Brombaugh (at whose wedding Roger was best man :-) and the churches' music committees, the many ARI board members able to be present were delighted at this new way of sharing the good news of ARI in the world!

Rev. J.B. Redding, AFARI board member, joined Kathryn following the concert. Sister J.B. eloquently presented Asian Rural Institute's mission to all those assembled for the concert, in a way that beautifully augmented the written information shared in the programs. Our hearts were deeply moved at her sharing the depths of meaning of ARI's presence in the world.





Brass section of the accompanying orchestra

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posted by Craig D. Rice @ Saturday, June 7, 2008 - 12:45 PM
 

2006 ARI Annual Report

The ARI 2006 Annual Report (April 1, 2006 through March 31, 2007) is now available online.

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posted by Craig D. Rice @ Wednesday, September 19, 2007 - 8:32 AM
 

"Take My Hand" Summer, 2007 Issue Online

The Summer, 2007 issue of "Take My Hand" is now online.

Articles include:

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posted by Craig D. Rice @ Saturday, September 15, 2007 - 1:53 PM
 

2007 AFARI Annual Meetings, Hartford, CT

The 2007 AFARI Board Meeting was held on June 21-22 at the Asylum Hill Congregational Church in Hartford, CT. Approximately 25 ARI supporters joined us for the 2007 AFARI Annual Meeting at the same location on June 22.

[photos to follow]

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posted by Craig D. Rice @ Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - 8:34 AM

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