#Japan #Tokyo #Ghana #ACE #Kifu Choco

Valentine's Day and the '#Kifu Choco' Campaign

As Valentine's Day approaches, a unique campaign titled '#Kifu Choco' launches from January 13 to February 14, aiming to create a positive impact for Ghanaian children. Organized by the non-profit organization ACE, based in Taitō, Tokyo, this initiative encourages the purchase of designated chocolate products, where a portion of sales is donated to safeguard children working in cocoa farms from child labor.

Concept and Purpose of '#Kifu Choco'

In a world where one in ten children are engaged in child labor, the '#Kifu Choco' campaign seeks to leverage love and compassion into action during one of the most heartfelt seasons of the year. By purchasing targeted chocolate products, consumers will not only satisfy their sweet tooth but will also contribute to meaningful initiatives aimed at protecting children in Ghana's cocoa farming regions.

Through this effort, '#Kifu Choco' presents a way to send a message of social responsibility while indulging in delicious chocolate.

How to Participate

Participation in the '#Kifu Choco' campaign is simple and impactful. Here’s how you can get involved:

1. Purchase '#Kifu Choco' Products: When you buy selected chocolate items, part of the proceeds will be donated by participating companies to ACE's initiatives.

2. Share on Social Media: Spread the word by posting photos of your purchased chocolates on social media with the hashtag '#KifuChoco'. By engaging with ACE’s existing posts featuring this hashtag, you can help expand the awareness and support surrounding this noble cause. Follow ACE on Instagram here, on X (formerly Twitter) here, or on Facebook here.

3. Make Direct Donations: Besides purchasing '#Kifu Choco' products, individuals can also donate directly through ACE's chocolate donation initiative, which aims to provide essential resources to children in need. For more details, visit the Chocolate Donation page here.

Featured Participating Products

Several reputable companies are participating in the '#Kifu Choco' campaign, each offering unique products that contribute to this significant cause:

• - Morinaga: With their ongoing '1 Choco for 1 Smile' initiative since 2008, Morinaga pledges to donate one yen per item sold during the campaign period, supporting both ACE and Plan International. Check out their participating items like 'Dars', 'Chocolat de Chocolat', and more. Learn more here.

• - Yuraku Confectionery: This company uses child-labor-free cocoa in all of their products, including the well-known 'Black Thunder'. A portion of every purchase aids projects in Ghana. Discover more about their commitment here.

• - Natural Lawson: Known for cute and shareable chocolates, Natural Lawson sells items with sales proceeds going to ACE. Explore their products, which are perfect for gifts, making it possible to combine pleasure and charity.

• - Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel: From February 1 to 14, they will offer charming bonbons with sales supporting ACE's initiatives.

• - Chocolat Market by Akutagawa Seika: An engaging marketplace at Sunshine City, where shoppers can enjoy a diverse chocolate experience while supporting ACE.

Every participating product is a chance to make a difference, not only for the consumers who enjoy them but also for the children impacted by their sales.

Understanding the Issue of Child Labor

Child labor is a state of work that inhibits children from receiving a proper education and encompasses any dangerous and hazardous tasks prohibited by laws on minors under the age of 18. Tragically, around 138 million children globally are subjected to child labor, according to estimates by major organizations. In Ghana, which supplies about 70% of Japan's cocoa, approximately 45% of children in cocoa-producing households are involved in such labor. This means nearly one in two children is engaged in work that is often hazardous.

The vast majority, about 71% of these children, work in dangerous tasks, further drawing attention to the urgent need for awareness and intervention in our purchasing decisions. By opting for '#Kifu Choco' products, consumers can affect change and collectively work towards eliminating these injustices.

Allocation of Donations

Since 2009, ACE has actively operated 'Happiness Chocolate' projects in Ghana, having supported 672 children from child labor and enhanced educational environments for over 4,600 children in the community. Donated funds from the '#Kifu Choco' campaign will support:

• - Educational support for children removed from child labor.
• - Initiatives to enhance the incomes of cocoa farmers.
• - Developing community measures to prevent child labor.

For instance, a donation of 30,000 yen can provide school supplies for six children, whereas 40,000 yen can facilitate agricultural training for five households.

ACE works tirelessly to affect change and raise awareness about child labor issues and the rights of children to live freely and safely in their communities.

About ACE

ACE is a recognized NGO dedicated to protecting children's rights, abolishing child labor, and preventing its recurrence. The organization not only aims to protect children engaged in hazardous labor in Ghana's cocoa regions but also advocates on related issues among Japanese organizations, the government, and chocolate companies. Founded in 1997 by a group of students, ACE has grown from its grassroots beginnings through initiatives like the 'Global March Against Child Labor.' In 2023, it received the SDGs Promotion Award from Japan's Prime Minister, marking it as a leading international NGO in the field.

Inquiries regarding the campaign and ACE can be directed to:

• - Email: press%acejapan.org (replace % with @)
• - Phone: 03-3835-7555 (Available on weekdays from 10 AM to 5 PM)
• - Visit: ACE's website