notice coffee Donates 5% of Coffee Sales to Education Support for Children in Cambodia

Dot Plan Co., Ltd.’s coffee business, notice coffee, is promoting an education support project that allocates 5% of sales from Cambodian and other Asian coffees to educational assistance. Cambodia’s coffee culture was once nearly interrupted by the effects of civil war. Although signs of recovery are gradually emerging, the human resources and educational environment needed to support its future remain insufficient. notice coffee aims to build a cycle in which choosing a cup of coffee supports the learning of children in distant communities, working with companies that share the idea that everyday consumption can lead to support. For this initiative, the project worked with the education department in Kampong Thom Province, Cambodia, and visited two schools introduced by the department: Mien Noy Primary School and Hun Sen Chamnar Primary School. Before the visit, the local partner informed the education department how many sets of stationery could be delivered. Based on that number, the department selected the recipient schools. The local partner then coordinated with each school principal to arrange the visit schedule and distribution. All stationery was procured in advance within Cambodia. By confirming necessary supplies and purchasing them locally, the project ensured that children received what they needed while also contributing to the local economy. On the day of the visit, the children welcomed the team as they entered the school gates. Stationery sets were handed directly to each child, and the children showed their new supplies to one another. They then used their notebooks and pencils to practice writing “arigato,” meaning “thank you.” Their serious expressions as they looked at the word on the blackboard and carefully wrote it down left a strong impression. Although the visit was brief, it was filled with smiles and voices of gratitude. In one touching moment, a girl removed a bracelet she was wearing and handed it over as a gesture of thanks, reflecting the warmth of the exchange. notice coffee believes that supporting the learning of children who will carry the future of coffee-producing regions also contributes to the sustainability of those regions. The brand refers to coffee buyers and participating companies as project companions, or “crew.” Updates from the field and financial information are shared with coffee buyers through newsletters and podcasts, and with companies through reports, so participants can feel connected to the same project even from far away. Going forward, notice coffee plans to expand not only individual sales through its online store but also corporate initiatives. The company is building a structure that allows businesses to participate in the project by introducing coffee or purchasing products as part of CSR and SDG efforts, making social contribution a natural part of everyday activity. It also plans to launch “notice caravan,” an initiative that delivers coffee to interested companies and organizations while introducing the project through direct dialogue. Chief Brand Officer Ayami Endo said she had wanted to stay connected with Cambodia since working as a guide at the Angkor ruins 20 years ago. She now runs a traditional-house cafe in Shizuoka Prefecture and roasts Cambodian and other Asian coffees in-house. The project began from her desire to create a system in which the everyday act of drinking coffee supports the learning of children far away. She hopes that one cup of coffee can become a way for people to join the same project as “crew” and naturally connect to someone’s future. Cambodia Bridge Officer Sam Or said he is very pleased that the project connects people in Japan, the crew, and the children. The children looked truly happy when they received the stationery, and it has also encouraged their motivation to learn. The initiative has also been recognized by Cambodia’s education department and schools, making it meaningful for the local community. Dot Plan Co., Ltd. is based at 34-1 Nakazato, Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Under the theme “bringing small plans to towns and the world,” the company plans and operates social projects that connect people with people.