ANT-Hiroshima is an NGO based in the city of peace, Hiroshima. It carries out international cooperation, peace projects, education and public awareness activities such as lectures, aiming to build peace in the world by drawing on Hiroshima's experience, with an emphasis on thinking and acting together.
It began as a volunteer group called the Hiroshima Citizens' Group for Joining Hands with Friends in Asia. Later, to express its aims in a more global way, it changed its name to ANT-Hiroshima. The "ANT" in the name stands for the insect: each person's strength may be small like an ant's, but by working with people and NGOs around the world on the basis of trust, the group believes great peace can be achieved.
Its office welcomes visitors from around the world, including people who want to do something for peace, learn more about Hiroshima, or try working at an NGO, as well as specialists engaged in peacebuilding. The website also offers internship openings, information on donations and membership, and a project blog, giving readers several ways to get involved.
Key points
- Peace work driven by the memory and experience of Hiroshima, the atomic-bombed city
- A wide range of projects combining international cooperation, peace, education and awareness-raising
- Entry points for citizens, such as internships and membership
Why this organization deserves attention
Its strength lies in turning the peace-minded spirit nurtured in Hiroshima into concrete work in international cooperation and education. Its attitude of building up grassroots activities carefully, starting from small things, comes through clearly.
With an open office where many kinds of people gather, it seems easy for anyone who wants to learn or gain experience to take a first step. It can be a helpful reference for anyone thinking about what they can do for peace.
Editor's comment
Peace can feel like a very big theme, but ANT-Hiroshima's words, "value each person, and start steadily with small things," gently remind us that it is fine to begin close to home.
Why not take a look at the official website for its project updates and its information on internships and membership?