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Schools encouraged to choose Fairtrade

 
16 December 2009

Greenwich is backing a Fairtrade initiative that aims to encourage schools to ‘choose Fairtrade’ and become an official Fairtrade school.

Fairtrade guarantees a better deal for over 7 million farmers and workers in the developing world by ensuring that they receive a fair price for the goods that they receive.

Greenwich achieved Fairtrade Borough status in 2006 and since then our commitment to raising awareness and supporting the initiative has gone from strength to strength. Fairtrade is now an integral part of life in the borough for many residents.

A whole host of schools, churches, restaurants and cafes in the borough now promote Fairtrade with events including coffee mornings, fashion shows and raffle events. We are keen to continue the progress and increase awareness and participation in the scheme.

How can a school become a Fairtrade school?

In order for schools to become officially recognised as Fairtrade schools, a set of criteria need to be met:

  1. The creation of a Fairtrade School Steering Group – a group of people  which can include teachers, pupils and other adults in the school community who get together to lead the school in becoming a Fairtrade School.

  2. Writing and adopting a school Fairtrade policy - the Fairtrade policy puts in writing a schools decision to become a Fairtrade School, what that means for the school and a commitment to supporting the initiative.

  3. A commitment to selling, promoting and using Fairtrade products wherever possible – making Fairtrade products including drinks, snacks, etc available in your school and beyond.

  4. Creating opportunities to teach students about Fairtrade issues – a Fairtrade school uses every opportunity to learn about the people who make the products and how Fairtrade makes their lives more secure.

  5. A commitment to promoting and supporting Fairtrade in school and the wider community – spreading the message whenever possible both inside and outside school and raising awareness amongst more people
Two Greenwich Secondary schools – John Roan and Thomas Tallis – have already begun preparations to apply for the status and Greenwich is hoping that many more will now follow in their footsteps.

Choose Fairtrade

Councillor John Fahy, Cabinet Member for Culture and Olympics and Co-Chair of Greenwich’s Fairtrade Network, said: "Whilst the growing awareness of Fairtrade in the borough over the last few years has been extremely pleasing, we are continually striving to improve which is why we are backing this scheme and encouraging our schools to ‘Choose Fairtrade’.

"Many Greenwich schools already put on regular Fairtrade activities and by raising awareness in schools, we are ensuring that the Fairtrade message is carried on by our future generations.

"I would like to encourage all of our schools to consider the possibility and play their part in improving the lives of others less fortunate than us."

Get more information on how to become a Fairtrade school from the Fairtrade website

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