SCHOOLS URGED TO BACK FAIRTRADE

SCHOOLS across Carmarthenshire are being urged to help change the lives of millions of struggling farmers in the developing world.

An appeal has been made for schools in the county to apply for Fairtrade status.

Project leaders say the education of schoolchildren is a vital tool in spreading the message about Fairtrade.

And they believe that the county’s younger generation  have an important role to play in the development of the initiative.

Fairtrade is a partnership between consumers in the west and farmers in developing countries, which guarantees a fair price to food producers.

Major work is underway by the County Council to promote Fairtrade and the appeal to schools comes as Fairtrafe Fortnight is about to get underway.

An educational newsletter has already been distributed to schools and special menus will be served up as part of the forthcoming two week promotional drive.

Now schools are being urged to step forward and receive the Fairtrade accolade.

As part of the scheme they would help contribute to making the world a fairer place and help pupils to develop new skills.

They would become a part of the Fairtrade movement that is happening all over the country and is bringing life changing benefits to farming families in developing countries.

In Carmarthenshire a number have already secured the status and the first Fairtrade flag will be awarded to Llandarrog primary this month.

Carmarthenshire’s Sustainability Champion cllr Pam Palmer said: “Fairtrade makes sure that farmers and producer organisations get a fair and stable price for their products to help them support their families and invest in a better future.

“Schools can play a huge part in rolling out the Fairtrade message and we are appealing for more to come forward and apply for Fairtrade status.

“As well as the benefits for producers, there will be educational benefits for pupils and recognition for their commitment.”

Becoming a Fairtrade school provides opportunities to enhance many areas of the curriculum and explore citizenship from a global perspective.

It also gives pupils the chance to participate and take responsibility for their decisions, encourages critical thinking, and offers opportunities for challenge and confidence building.

To become a Fairtrade school five goals need to be met.

A Fairtrade School Steering Group needs to be set up which meets at least once a term.

A Fairtrade policy needs to be written and adopted, which has the support of the board of governors and is signed by the headteacher.

The school needs to use and sell Fairtrade products as much as possible, learn about Fairtrade in at least three subjects in two year groups, and take action for Fairtrade at least once a term in the school and once a year in the community.

Carmarthenshire’s Sustainability Adviser Eurgain Powell said: “Fairtrade makes a huge difference to the lives of farmers who grow the products we enjoy in the UK.

“Millions of farmers depend on selling their crops to survive, but when prices drop it can spell disaster. If farmers earn less than it costs to run their farm, they face real hardship.

“We are keen to hear from any schools who can help to promote the Fairtrade message.”

For further information on becoming a Fairtrade school contact Eurgain Powell on 01267 224902.