Okinawa Naha International High School supported our initiative by selling Malawi coffee from June 13-14, 2024, contributing to our school meal support program.

Despite the short preparation time, students who love coffee united to make the event successful. Before the sales, they spent several online sessions with Seibo staff, discussing the fair trade nature of coffee, its origin, and the positive cycle generated by supporting school meals in Malawi.

Being in a community with frequent interactions with foreigners and international visitors in Okinawa prompted them to consider global population mobility and Japan’s stance on it. According to the MALAWI EDUCATION STATISTICS REPORT 2022, Malawi particularly excels in community support for adult school meals, indicating high sustainability locally.

Japan, through JICA, sends technical experts from companies like IBM to foster IT talent, making it the highest country in Africa for JICA dispatch rates.

Themes related to “food” and “poverty” under the SDGs require a long-term perspective compared to other goals and may not directly link to business efforts. However, companies with a vision for human capital development are increasingly crucial.

The “Coffee 2050 Problem” and climate change issues in Malawi also intersect with efforts to develop human capital and consider environmental resources. We hope to expand opportunities for learning and support by collaborating with local businesses and other educational institutions in Okinawa.

We look forward to continued collaboration in our activities.