Supporting Indian Cotton Farmers and Their Children Through the PEACE BY PEACE COTTON PROJECT

In a remarkable initiative, the Japan Life Cooperative Union, represented by Chairman Toshio Tsuchiya, has partnered with Yagi Co., a textile trading company, to support Indian cotton farmers and their children via the 'PEACE BY PEACE COTTON PROJECT'. This project dedicates a portion of the sales from specific products to offer financial support for crucial educational resources, thereby focusing on uplifting communities in rural India.

This collaboration has been active since 2022, allowing the cooperative to provide around 500 books and educational materials to five local schools through accumulated sponsorship funds. A team from the cooperative visited India last year to assess the impact of these contributions and heard direct appeals from schools regarding urgent needs. The visit highlighted the lack of basic facilities like toilets and drinking water in schools, underscoring the dire conditions that these children face.

In light of these discussions, the cooperative has committed to an exciting project that will construct toilet facilities and drinking water sources at 'Saraswati Sishu Bidyamandir', a local school. Scheduled for completion in March 2025, this initiative represents a long-term investment in the well-being and education of children in the area.

A New Collection of Supportive Products

Starting May 12, 2025, the cooperative will begin selling four newly supported products from its catalog 'Kurashi to Seikyou' and the 'Everyday Wear' brochure for summer 2025. This collection includes up to eight products featuring comfortable and stylish options such as T-shirts and cardigans, ensuring that each item is crafted using more than 50% organic cotton sourced from India. The aim is not just to sell clothing, but to inspire a culture of empathy and awareness surrounding the importance of education and support for producers.

Here’s a look at some of the featured products:

- Openwork Knit Cardigan - 3,289 yen
- Organic Cotton Logo Print T-Shirt - 2,189 yen
- Adult Half Culottes - 3,289 yen
- Banshu Weave Summer Check Dress - 8,789 yen

Already available items include stylish T-shirts and cardigans made from an organic cotton blend, promoting comfortable and conscious fashion choices for everyday wear.

Creating Awareness and Growing Support

By promoting these products, the cooperative aims to raise awareness of both the challenges faced by Indian farmers and the educational aspirations of their children, making school an inviting place for students. The overarching goal of the 'PEACE BY PEACE COTTON PROJECT' is to foster support not only for children's education but also to help farmers transition to organic practices, bridging the gap between fashion consumption and agricultural sustainability.

This encompasses a broader mission to enhance the living conditions and educational opportunities for future generations in rural India, as well as to expand the network of individuals committed to partaking in this impactful journey.

As we approach the warm season and the release of the summer collection, the cooperative encourages everyone to consider how their purchases can contribute to a larger cause. Every item sold is a step towards ensuring better futures for many children and their families. Supporting this initiative can cultivate a community focused on compassion, education, and a sustainable future.

For those interested in learning more about the PEACE BY PEACE COTTON PROJECT, further information can be found on their official website: PEACE BY PEACE COTTON. Join us as we make a difference together, one purchase at a time.