The Seal Challenges (formerly called Child Rights in Business (CRIB) Challenges) is an initiative led by The Centre for Child Rights and Business to encourage businesses connected to the tea industry – including plantation companies, brokers, exporters, brands and retailers – to develop or support innovative concept notes that address particular issues or challenges faced by children and families within their business ecosystem, particularly in estates or factories. “Winners” of the Seal Challenge receive either a small funding boost or technical expertise as an incentive to bring their proposed concepts to life. 

To date, it has been highly encouraging to see that all Seal Challenge funding recipients have made additional financial contributions, enabling them to pioneer programmes and initiatives that will continue to impact future generations positively and, in some cases, even reshape industry norms. Participants of Seal Challenges are a testimony to the enormous potential businesses possess to directly and sustainably improve lives in their supply chains. 

Below, we proudly showcase initiatives that have already created big ripples in Sri Lanka’s tea sector, from challenging gender norms to addressing issues like child well-being, education, and water scarcity. 

Round 1 Winners (May 2023): 

The Centre received numerous innovative concept notes in the first round of the Seal Challenge and selected three winners. These included Talawakelle Tea Estates, which made history by introducing the first-ever female supervisors in the Sri Lankan tea industry. This groundbreaking initiative provided professional opportunities for women in tea fields and offered a clear career pathway to executive roles, challenging the industry's historical gender norms. 

English Tea Shop Organic emerged as another winner, unveiling a child-benefit initiative in 2022 to support employees with children under 16. The programme allocated a monthly benefit for various purposes, emphasising the company's commitment to the well-being of its employees' families. 

Horana Plantations was also selected for their project to support women and girls in Alton Estate. Their initiative included establishing a cost-effective unit for producing sanitary products and creating a dedicated health and hygiene resources library. 

Seal Challenge 2 (July 2023):

During the second round of Seal Challenges, Talawakelle Tea Estates’ initiative stood out for its focus on promoting hospitality and eco-tourism. Through professional training for bungalow caretakers and cooks, emphasising hospitality management, traditional Sri Lankan food preparation, and environmental sustainability, the project aims to integrate Ceylon tea and tourism as significant foreign income generators in Sri Lanka. 

Seal Challenge 3 (August 2023):

In round 3, attention turned to the “Uduwa Suhadha” Smallholder Society addressing the water provision for Saddananda School, Uduwa, Kegalle. Collaborative efforts involving the Smallholder District Society, Zonal Education Office – Kegalle, and the School Development Society secured a reliable year-round water source, positively impacting 200 children from smallholder farming families. 

Seal Challenge 4 (September 2023):

Talawakelle Tea Estates took the lead in establishing a Regional Child Protection and Safeguarding Information Centre at Logie Estate. Focusing on education, security, and child protection awareness, this transformative project aimed to address challenges faced by children in the Nuwara Eliya district, benefiting around 8,000 children across immediate and neighbouring estates. 

Seal Challenge 5 (December 2023):

13 initiative submissions were received from three districts as part of the latest Seal Challenge, which involved a series of impactful initiatives by smallholder societies, and five were selected as winners. Miyanawita Tea Smallholder Society addressed the deteriorating roof at Miyanawila Secondary School in the Ratnapura district, ensuring the safety and comfort of the children. 

“Shramashakthi” Tea Smallholder Society tackled water scarcity in Delwala, Ratnapura district, benefiting over 200 families and approximately 400 children. 

"Suhada" Theshakthi Tea Smallholder Society addressed critical issues at Aluthwatta Gunananda Primary School in the Galle District, ensuring hygiene improvements for 270 children and 23 teachers. 

Elaulla Humpitakanda Tea Smallholder Society focused on improving hygiene and comfort at Elaulla Sri Siddartha Sunday School in Kegalle District. Finally, Nawela Tea Smallholder Society enhanced access to quality education by renovating an abandoned playground in Ballahala, Kegalle District, benefiting 175 children and 180 youth.

The Seal Challenge is not just an initiative; it's a movement that brews change for children and families. Investing in this initiative is a meaningful and impactful way to make a tangible, positive impact on children's well-being. As we continue our mission to help businesses improve their impact on families, we invite brands and retailers to join hands with us. Your investment and collaboration are crucial to ensuring the success and sustainability of the Mother and Child-Friendly Seal for Responsible Business and the Seal Challenges. Reach out to us today to discuss opportunities to get involved and be a part of this impactful movement for positive change.