tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769541899235511588.post-37871240898682770532007-06-27T08:32:00.000-05:002007-06-28T09:24:34.342-05:00Thanks for joining us on the AFARI Web Site.<br /><br />AFARI is the US-based non-profit fund raising organization for the <b>The Asian Rural Institute</b> in Japan's Tochigi prefecture.<br /><p> <b>The Asian Rural Institute</b>, often known simply as <b>ARI</b>, is located in Japan and is an international training institute for grassroots rural leaders from developing countries, mostly in Asia and Africa. </p><p> Each year ARI invites 25 to 30 rural leaders of all ages, both men and women, for a nine-month training program to study sustainable food production in organic agriculture, the skills of leadership and community organization. </p><p> Participants in the program are not required to pay the cost of the training, which is now U.S. $16,000 each. Support for them comes from service clubs, churches, and many individuals. </p><p> We invite you to learn more about ARI's work and to join AFARI in supporting its efforts. </p>Craig D. Ricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704030159990285685noreply@blogger.com