At the 46th Miyazaki Prefecture High School Comprehensive Cultural Festival, Miyazaki Gakuen Junior and Senior High School, collaborating with the NPO Seibo, received the Outstanding Award in the International and Volunteer Division! Congratulations indeed!

The theme of their presentation was “The Fair Trade World You Don’t Know,” where they not only discussed general fair trade issues but also highlighted the unique profit circulation system created in collaboration with Ataka Tsusho Corporation by NPO Seibo.

We have been collaborating with Miyazaki Gakuen since 2021, focusing on activities such as researching local Malawian coffee, using it for marketing and awareness campaigns. (Part of the sales process can be seen here.)

One of the most significant aspects of their activities is bridging Miyazaki and Malawi in Africa. Miyazaki Gakuen students originally sourced fabric from Malawian locals, had it manufactured locally, paid for production costs, imported it, and sold it. Currently, they partner with local Type B support organizations for manufacturing, creating local connections while selling the products. Through these efforts, Malawi becomes closer to Japan, and local volunteer activities connect internationally.

Moreover, led by Miyazaki Gakuen, Miyazaki International University’s Global Leadership Seminar also had Seibo as a lecturer. Since then, students from schools like Miyazaki Nishi High School and Miyazaki Minami High School have engaged in international support learning through Malawi. This prepares many students to focus on global issues from a local perspective and develop approaches to tackle any societal challenge with the spirit of “Think Globally, Act Locally.”

It’s our hope that many students can thus acquire the habit and methods to address international issues, contributing actively to society.