CO・OP Core-non-Smile School Project -The 15th Phase Donation Presentation Ceremony held-
2026.03.04
JCCU has been running the "CO-OP Core-non-Smile School Project" since November 2010. Through this initiative, one yen from every pack of "Core-non-Roll" and "One-touch Soft Core-non Roll" toilet paper sold is donated to UNICEF to support its Child-Friendly Schools (CFSs) program in the Republic of Angola, Africa.
During the 15th phase of the project (November 1, 2024 - October 31, 2025), consumer co-ops across the country encouraged their members to support the initiative by purchasing designated products through home-delivery catalogues and in-store promotions. As a result, a total of 17,173,080 yen was raised in contributions.
Example of an eligible product: CO-OP Soft One-Touch Core Non (Single, 130 m × 6 rolls)
On December 19, 2025, the 15th donation presentation ceremony was held at UNICEF House in Shinagawa. Representatives of seven Core-non-Rolls manufacturing companies that have supported the project were in attendance. During the ceremony, an inventory showing the total donations collected over the past year was presented to Mr. HAYAMI Ken, Executive Director of the Japan Committee for UNICEF.
At the opening of the ceremony, Ms. ARAI Chitose, President of JCCU, delivered opening remarks. She expressed deep concern about the growing divisions in the world, citing the prolonged situation in Ukraine as well as rising tensions in the Middle East and East Asia. She noted that these developments threaten fundamental human rights such as access to education and healthcare and could have serious consequences for the future of children. Despite these difficult global circumstances, she acknowledged UNICEF's continued commitment to humanitarian assistance worldwide. She added that JCCU will continue to support these efforts through its ongoing fundraising activities.
Speaking on behalf of the participating business partners, Mr. MASUDA Akihiko, President and Representative Director of MASUKOH PAPER CO.,LTD, shared a few remarks. He emphasized that toilet paper is an indispensable everyday product with no real substitute, and that the company takes pride in producing something essential for people's daily lives. He added that, alongside their regular business activities, they hope to continue contributing to society and supporting children in Angola, finding fulfillment in knowing their efforts are making a meaningful difference.
Mr. HAYAMI Ken, Executive Director of the Japan Committee for UNICEF, expressed his sincere appreciation. He noted that the Core-non-Smile School Project has now reached its 15th phase and that, over the past 15 years, a cumulative total of 189 million yen has been raised. He thanked everyone involved in the project for their continued support, explaining that the project focuses on creating child-friendly schools while strengthening teachers' educational and management capacities. He added that steady progress has been made and expressed hope that the initiative will continue successfully into its 16th and 17th phases.
Participants at the donation presentation ceremony
Going forward, the project will continue to support the creation of child-friendly schools in Angola with the following objectives:
1. Installing proper water supply and sanitation facilities in schools and conducting hygiene education training.
2. Providing teacher training focused on child-centered education.
3. Implementation of training and development of school improvement plans to strengthen school management and promote community participation.
(C)UNICEF Angola
