Miyagi International Assistance Association (MIAA) is an NPO based in Miyagi Prefecture that works in Nepal, Thailand and Japan. Since its founding in 2003, it has focused on supporting people with disabilities and children.
In Nepal, MIAA supports the operation of a clinic and a primary school in Kagachi village, provides school meals, and supports AIDS orphans (currently 20 children), while working on building new clinics and schools. In Thailand it holds workshops for people with disabilities, provides technical guidance on making wheelchairs and operates a support center for people with disabilities. It is also involved in a program that repairs unneeded wheelchairs from across Asia and gives them away free of charge.
In Japan, MIAA holds community-building events in areas hit by the Great East Japan Earthquake, delivers integrated learning programs at elementary, junior high, high schools and universities, and offers comprehensive support to people in financial hardship. It also sells fair trade goods imported directly from Nepal at markets and donates all proceeds to Nepal, and it held a cultural exchange event in 2024 for its 20th anniversary.
Key points
- Combines healthcare, education and support for people with disabilities in Nepal and Thailand
- Donates the full proceeds from fair trade sales to support in Nepal
- Also active in Japan through community building in disaster-hit areas, school programs and support for people in need
Why this organization's work stands out
MIAA is distinctive for working both overseas and in its home region of Miyagi. Alongside its clinic and school support in Nepal, it creates opportunities in Japanese schools to make international cooperation feel close to home.
There are several ways to take part, including volunteering, donating and buying fair trade goods at markets. Events like the 2024 cultural exchange also show how much it values sharing its long partnership with local people in Nepal with people in Japan.
Editor's comment
It is impressive to see activities ranging from a village clinic in Nepal to community building in disaster-hit Miyagi connected within a single organization.
Details on the activities and volunteer recruitment are on the official website. Please take a look.