FASID was established in 1990 to train highly skilled people in the field of international development. It became a general incorporated foundation in October 2012, and its main activities are human resource development, research, technical cooperation and consulting, and sharing information on international development. It says it works to develop the people who support international development and to spread knowledge and information, aiming for a peaceful and happy society.
In human resource development, it offers training courses ranging from programs for practitioners in development assistance to introductory courses for beginners. These include the PCM method course, the project management course and thematic training, as well as seminars where development practitioners, company employees, researchers and students exchange views. To encourage academic research, it also runs the "Ohkita Prize for International Development Research," which honors outstanding research books, and a scholarship program for Japanese people working toward a doctoral degree.
In its international cooperation work, it focuses on ODA projects in private sector development and health care, and draws on its experience in evaluation studies to help improve the quality of projects. It also supports companies' businesses in developing countries that contribute to the SDGs, conducts social impact assessments of CSR projects, and runs seminars and study groups.
Key points
- Training and seminars for people in international development, from practitioners to beginners
- The Ohkita Prize honoring outstanding research books, and scholarships for those aiming at a doctorate
- ODA projects in private sector development and health care, plus research and support for companies' work in developing countries
Why this organization deserves attention
It offers several entry points for nurturing people who will work in international development: training, seminars, an award and scholarships. Learning opportunities are prepared for each position, from practitioners in the field to beginners, researchers and students.
Because it is involved not only in human resource development but also in ODA projects and in supporting companies' work in developing countries, it looks at international development from both the learning side and the field side. It can be a good starting point for anyone interested in working or studying in international cooperation.
Editor's comment
International cooperation in the field is supported not only by passion but also by solid knowledge, such as methods of planning and evaluation. FASID's training and seminars seem to be places that help build that foundation.
If you are interested in working or studying in international cooperation, why not take a look at the training and seminar information on the official website?