KIA FOUNDATION

THE KIA FOUNDATION:

KIA was established on 1st November, 1990. The foundation was based on the policy of furthering international exchange in Kochi, officially concieved of by the prefectural administration in March, 1990. This was achieved with the aid and direct input of non-governmental international exchange organizations.

KIA'S PROJECTS:

KIA provides foreigners living in Kochi:

• Japanese language courses
• Japanese culture lectures
• Free internet access
• Message board
• Library of English-language books, textbooks, maps, magazines and videos
• Counselling for human rights and lifestyle issues
• Advice and guidance for the foreigner living in Japan

KIA provides the local people:

• Opportunities to participate in international exchange projects:
  • Study tours of Indo-China
  • Experience of the lives of children in Korea
  • Furtherance of cultural and economic exchange between Kochi and its sister cities (Ankisho, China and Benguet State, Philippines)

• Enrollment on the "Volunteer Bank" programme:

• Acting as a Host Family
• Language Study
• Culture presentations
• Volunteer work for events and projects

• Events:
  • Lectures on international cooperation
  • Annual "International Message" Festivals
  • International cooperation campaigns

• "Window" magazine, containing news about international events concerning KIA (Published quarterly in Japanese)

• Use of KIA's English-language library

KIA provides local organizations:

• Mutual exchange of information and assistance
• Aid for international exchange projects

KIA provides local schools:

• Lectures by foreigners on their respective cultures

KIA EMPLOYEES:

• Head of the Association
• Senior Manager
• Manager
• Junior Manager
• Coordinator of International Relations (JET Programme CIR)
• 2 Part-Time Employees
• Temporary Employee