OISCA-Ecological Social Welfare Organization

Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement (OISCA-International) was founded in 1961. It is the first major international non-governmental organization to emerge in Japan. Recognized for its long-standing efforts and contributions to sustainable development, it has dispatched thousands of volunteer experts to work in developing countries throughout the Asia-Pacific. Among its 4 training centers in Japan, more than 6,000 trainees have gained practical skills and the spirit of volunteerism appropriate for national development. In addition, 10,000 more have been trained at 22 facilities in other Asia-Pacific countries. A total of 16,000 trainees have learned improved methods for agriculture, fishing, and forestry through on-the-job training. OISCA-International operates on a conviction that sound developments is rooted foremost on agriculture and rural-based primary industries. While promoting no specific religion, OISCA-International stresses a spiritual component along with material development. Volunteer spirit in service and heart-to-heart communication is a cornerstone of OISCA-International. Wherever it works to foster community development, OISCA-International cooperates with partner agencies and indigenous organizations. It encourages and mobilizes volunteers. Noteworthy, a trilateral cooperation project with the Asian Development Bank and the Philippine Government rehabilitated 250 hectares of mangroves in the Philippines. An international Love Green campaign carries on extensive tree planting activities in countries where reforestation is urgently needed. The Children's Forest Program (CFP) evolved from this movement. With small-scale groves attached to local schools, young children learn about tree planting and the importance of a sustainable environment by working alongside volunteers and through exchange programs. To date, a total of 2,011 schools have participated in 18 countries and more than 14,000,000 trees have been planted through the Love Green movement and CFP. Membership in OISCA-International extends throughout the world to more than 100 countries. National affiliates form chapters and each chapter may have many branches. There are affiliates in Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, China, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Israel, Kenya, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Uruguay, and Vietnam. Collaborating organizations include private voluntary organizations in Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States. In cooperation with United Nations agencies, national governments and partner organizations, OISCA-International has organized a series of Asian-Pacific Youth Forums for Community Development, involving more than 20,000 youth leaders and workers. In 1989, the United Nations Secretary-General extended a special appreciation to OISCA-International in recognition of its youth programs. Training programs for women advance OISCA's objectives of women-in-development. A trilateral cooperation initiative with the Governments of Bangladesh and Japan produced a women's training center in Bangladesh.