Objective & Basic Idea

1. Foundation
Goga Dakeo initiated "The French Research Association in Saga" in 1976 for the purpose of improving the cultural environment of Saga, which was developed to "The Japanese-French Research Association in Saga" in 1980. After the lapse of 3 years, it was reorganized to extend its activities for community service and international ties-up with other countries, under a present "Ferra People Association".

2. Objective
The objective of Ferra People Association is to contribute to further international understanding and global cooperation through the world cultural exchange activities, including the world peace, goodwill and better local communities.

3. Basic Idea
Ferra People Association believes that every creature in this world as well as a nation, community, village should live harmoniously in "A Great Life". Under the local civic movement of "All things has their own worth, through an interdependence among human being, community and nature", Ferra People Association tries to put the basic idea into practice.

4. Organization
Decision-maker: President(1), vice-president(3), managing director(1), permanent committee(5), board of directors(8)
Secretariat: Paid staff (3 - at home), volunteer (10 - at home)
Membership: Regular member(33), Group member(18 groups), student member(3), foster parent member(360), national network member (about 1500)
Network: 13 districts all over the country

5. Award

1988
-Conferred "Cultural Award" from Santori community
1989
-Conferred a Local Exchange Development & Promotion Award for the services of raising international exchange fund
1990
-Conferred a Special International Exchange Award from Japan Junior Chamber
1992
-Conferred an Official Commendation from the Ministry of Education in Thailand
1993
-Conferred a Distinguished Service of Education from the Ministry of Education in Thailand
1994
-Conferred a Letter of Commendation from Saga Prefectural Government
1995
-Conferred Exemplary Award of "Your Small Kindness Movement" (Voluntary activity for Hansin Earthquake victims)
1996
-Conferred a Letter of Appreciation from a Cabinet minister (Voluntary activity for -Hansin Earthquake victims)
2000
-Conferred a Letter of Appreciation from International Exchange Association in Saga Prefectural Government
-Conferred a Letter of Appreciation from Taiwan Government (Voluntary activity for earthquake victims in Taiwan)
-Conferred a Letter of Commendation from the Foreign Minister
-Conferred a Letter of Appreciation from Mongolia National Eye Center" (Voluntary activity for disastrous victims from cold weather in Mongolia)
2002
Awarded a Letter of Appreciation from the Pakistan Embassy (Voluntary activity for Afghanistan refugees)

6. Brief History of President
Goga Dakeo
The head of Koga English Center
A representative of Wings International
A member of the Liaison Office of NGO
A director of Saga Prefectural Government International Exchange Association (Juridical Foundation)

7. Korean Branch Office of Ferra People Association
Ferra People Association with its principal office at Saga Prefectural Government, Japan, has been working on a long-term homestay program during summer vacation every year for students who are selected through BIFS, Universities and colleges all over the country. Students who apply for homestay program can have inter-cultural experiences by living with Japanese families over a long period of time.
BIFS launched not only international student exchange for homestay in 2002 but also began to hold "Liaison Meeting of Ferra People Association" in Busan from September. Through the Liaison Meeting jointly with Ferra People Association, applicants for homestay program and people who are interested in Korean-Japanese Homestay Exchange have talked about the programs, plans and ideas for better cultural homestay and "In-the-Field" learning. Korean branch office of Ferra People Association and the Liaison Meeting will activate student exchange and strengthen a close relation among applicants and those interested in it.