Zensho, in collaboration with Japanese NGOs, is engaged in fair trade with tea producers' cooperatives in Sri Lanka. In December 2021, a completion ceremony was held for a community hall built with social development costs ^* generated through this activity, and the hall began full operation.

* social development costs: This refers to the portion of the raw material purchase price that is allocated to various activities aimed at improving the lives of local people.

The completion ceremony, held in a traditional style with Buddhist monks in attendance, was attended not only by producers but also by many residents who had traveled from the surrounding area. The hall was so crowded that some residents even came outside to watch the ceremony, and the venue was filled with anticipation for its contribution to the community.

Furthermore, this hall, which is also equipped with a kitchen, will not only serve as a place for residents to interact but will also be used as a base for ecotourism activities. Local residents will act as guides, offering a wide variety of experiences and learning opportunities, allowing visitors to enjoy the magnificent nature and unique culture through activities such as tea making and cooking local cuisine.

This community hall, which is being considered for various uses, will also be opened as a place of learning, which is lacking in rural areas, and will be used in the future to help educate the next generation of children.
Zensho will continue its commitment to fair trade, revitalizing exchanges not only with local residents but also with people from overseas, and working to expand the future for children.