Valentine's Day Campaign: Protecting Children from Child Labor

Join ACE's Valentine's Campaign: Support Ghanaian Kids

As Valentine’s Day approaches, the joy of giving chocolate can have a meaningful impact beyond just the delight of sweets. The certified NPO ACE, based in Taito, Tokyo, is seeking businesses to participate in its upcoming campaign titled "Double the Joy: Delivering a Brighter Future with Kif Choco". This initiative runs from January 13 to February 14, 2026, and invites companies to contribute by promoting #KifChoco, a chocolate that not only expresses love but also supports children in Ghana’s cocoa-producing regions.

The Cause Behind Kif Choco

Since 2009, ACE has implemented the "Chocolate for Happiness" project in Ghana, focusing on the protection and education of children working in cocoa farms. With over 672 children freed from child labor and 4,662 children supported in their educational environment across 12 villages, ACE works tirelessly to improve the living conditions of cocoa-farming families. The donations received through this campaign will further aid this ongoing project.

Choosing Socially Conscious Chocolate

This Valentine’s Day, consider opting for chocolates that make a difference. #Kif Choco is not just a gift; it is a socially responsible choice. A portion of the sales from Kif Choco will be directed towards ACE’s efforts to protect children from labor in cocoa agriculture. By choosing Kif Choco, you contribute to a noble cause while celebrating the spirit of love and compassion.

Promoting Participating Businesses

During the campaign, ACE will showcase participating companies on its dedicated website, featuring logos, product images, and details about their contributions. Companies will be promoted through various social media channels including X, Instagram, and Facebook, reaching a broader audience and acknowledging their kindness.

How Businesses Can Get Involved

ACE is flexible in how companies can participate, allowing them to align their contributions with their existing initiatives. Here are some engaging ways businesses can join:

- Donation with Products: Set a donation amount per sold item (e.g., 15 yen per product sold or 2% of the product price).
- Sales Contributions: Commit to donating a percentage of sales during the Valentine’s period (e.g., 1% of total sales).
- Social Media Involvement: Share your support on social platforms with #KifChoco without the need for a financial donation. This could include posts featuring your products, featuring on the dedicated campaign site, or organizing events.

Businesses are encouraged to consider donating a minimum of 50,000 yen to support the education and living conditions of children in cocoa-growing regions. For example, 30,000 yen can supply school materials for six kids, and 40,000 yen can provide agricultural training for five households.

Who Can Participate?

ACE invites a diverse range of companies to participate:

- Chocolate manufacturers and candy brands
- Pâtisseries, commercial facilities, and online retailers
- Socially responsible retail and food businesses
- Any company contemplating Valentine’s promotions
- Non-chocolate businesses can join by publicly expressing their support and raising awareness.

Understanding the Child Labor Issue

In Ghana, which supplies about 70% of Japan’s cocoa imports, it is estimated that one in two children in cocoa farming families is engaged in child labor. During Valentine’s season, it’s a wonderful opportunity to ensure that our love also reaches those less fortunate. By joining this campaign, we can work together to make chocolate a symbol of joy and compassion for everyone involved.

About ACE

ACE is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting children's rights and eradicating child labor. The organization not only safeguards children from hazardous work in cocoa-producing areas of Ghana but also educates the public about child labor issues in Japan. Founded in 1997 by five students, ACE was inspired by the call of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kailash Satyarthi to combat child labor. In March 2023, ACE became the first international NGO to receive the Prime Minister’s Award at the 6th Japan SDGs Award.