PARCIC is an international cooperation NGO that helps people in difficulty because of disasters and conflicts regain dignified lives. Rather than cooperation between governments, it promotes "minsai cooperation," in which citizens across borders build direct and equal relationships, and it has worked in ten countries in Asia, including Japan.
It was launched in 2008 when the Pacific Asia Resource Center (PARC) separated its citizen-to-citizen cooperation projects and fair trade division. Its work proceeds in long-term stages of emergency aid, recovery support and economic self-reliance support, and it aims to move from a relationship of "supporter and supported" to one of mutual support. It became a certified NPO in November 2017.
Its activity reports introduce emergency aid that delivered food to 4,128 households in the Gaza Strip, rebuilding livelihoods through home gardens and poultry raising, and fair trade that supports small tea farmers in Sri Lanka and coffee producers in Timor-Leste. In Japan, it runs a children's cafeteria and a food pantry at "Minkafe" in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo.
Key points
- Long-term, step-by-step support from emergency aid to recovery and economic independence
- Fair trade in products such as coffee and tea that supports producers' livelihoods
- Many ways to see the field, including study tours, events and internships
Why this organization deserves attention
A distinguishing feature is that it does not end support as a one-off, but looks ahead to the economic independence of local people. It starts with research to understand each area and proceeds while building trust with local people.
It is also appealing that its overseas work is connected to community spaces and fair trade in Japan. You can buy products, donate or join events, so it is an organization with many easy ways to get involved.
Editor's comment
Behind the coffee and tea we drink every day are the lives of the people who grow them. PARCIC's phrase "minsai cooperation" gives us a chance to picture people in faraway places as close neighbors.
The official website has activity reports written by staff and information on events you can join. Why not start by looking at a theme that interests you?