Terra Renaissance is a nonprofit corporation that began its activities in 2001 with the aim of realizing "a society where all life can live in safety (world peace)." "Terra" means "earth" in Latin and "renaissance" means "rebirth and revival," expressing the hope that people in difficult situations will regain their strength to live and rebuild a hopeful future with their own hands. Its tagline is "Turning wishes into power, creating peace."
Its work began with the aim of solving the landmine problem and has grown to include support for the self-reliance of child soldiers and victims of conflict. Today, with peacebuilding, self-reliance support and awareness-raising and advocacy as pillars, it addresses issues such as child soldiers, landmines and unexploded ordnance, conflict minerals and the cycle of poverty. It describes four support approaches: securing the basics of life such as medical care, food and housing; healing emotional wounds; acquiring the skills to make a living through vocational training and similar means; and restoring bonds with family and community.
In Japan, it creates chances to learn about and join its work through events, seminars, study tours and cooperation with schools. Other ways to get involved include becoming a monthly supporter, collecting and sending unused postcards or mobile phones, and donating through the hometown tax donation system. Since 2018 it has been an NGO with special consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
Key points
- Since 2001, has faced issues such as landmines and child soldiers, supporting self-reliance and peacebuilding
- Active in 10 countries and regions, with projects in places such as Cambodia, Laos and Uganda
- Many ways to take part from Japan, including events, study tours and collecting unused postcards
Why this organization deserves attention
A distinctive feature is its approach of going beyond handing out goods, drawing out the "strength to live" that people naturally have and connecting self-reliance to peacebuilding in the community. Following its four support approaches, it stays close to people in both heart and daily life.
Besides "delivering to the field," it combines building supporters, training people, and research. It offers many ways for us to get involved from Japan.
Editor's comment
Peace is not something someone gives us, but something each of us actively creates. A quiet resolve like this comes through in Terra Renaissance's words.
The official website carries activity reports and event information. Why not take a look at a story from the field that interests you?