On December 5, 2024, an exchange event took place between Hikarigaoka High School in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, and staff members from Malawi.

The purpose of the event was to deepen the understanding of Hikarigaoka High School students about the activities and the local situation in Malawi. The school has been supporting school meal programs by selling coffee produced in Malawi, but this event aimed to further enhance their connection with Malawi.

Hikarigaoka High School has so far provided support equivalent to a significant number of school meals. Going forward, their activities will become more concrete, focusing on building a closer connection with Malawi, exchanging information, and promoting products in a way that visualizes their support. This includes understanding the significance and mechanisms of fair trade and ethical consumption.

Through these initiatives, we look forward to seeing the value of a single 15-yen school meal in Malawi resonate further and spread from Japan.

The following were some of the specific questions raised during the exchange:

What is the perception of the fair trade system at the Mzuzu farms in northern Malawi?
How does fair trade impact the community beyond label certification?
What aspects of Malawian culture contribute to its reputation as a nation with “Warm Hearts of Africa”?
We hope to continue increasing opportunities for such activities and further strengthening our connection with the local community.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.