An award-winning Fairtrade conference for Manx primary school children that has been praised for “its imagination, inclusion, inspiration and impact” takes place this month.
Government’s Tynwald buildings will once again echo to the small footsteps of some 70 young children as the venue for the event, the third of its kind, to be held on 29th January.
The conference, which this year is kindly sponsored by local Fairtrade champions the Manx Co-operative Society, is an opportunity for young people to learn about Fairtrade and the difference it can make to farmers and producers in developing countries.
Based on an original idea from the Isle of Man Fairtrade Group, it is run and organised by Fairtrade Group volunteers and the One World Centre Isle of Man.
The Fairtrade Foundation celebrated 20 years of Fairtrade development last year and, at a special anniversary celebration in London, the Isle of Man conference was awarded the Outstanding Fairtrade Campaign Award for its work in “raising the profile of Fairtrade and influencing the behaviour of local consumers and businesses”.
An independent judging panel of campaigning and fair trade experts chose the Isle of Man group for the award after reviewing grassroots campaigner groups across England, Scotland and Wales. They said the conference was a great project “that typified exactly the kind of solid, cross-community campaigning which has taken place all across the UK to help get Fairtrade to where it is today after 20 years.”
Children attending the conference will enjoy a welcome by Tynwald President Mrs Clare Christian and a talk by a keynote speaker from the Fairtrade Foundation as well as a number of workshops which include the ever-popular chocolate tasting! They will also participate in a debate in the Tynwald Chamber and work on ideas for celebrating Fairtrade Fortnight in their own schools at the end of February.
One World Centre Director Rosemary Clarke said, “It is a fun-packed day for the children but also challenges them to think about issues in the wider world and what we can do on a practical level to help make life fairer for others and trade more equitably.”
Gillian Hannah, Co-operative and Membership Officer for the Manx Co-operative Society added, “Fairtrade guarantees a better deal for producers and workers in developing countries. As the first major retailer to champion Fairtrade, The Co-operative is delighted to support this event, which as well as providing an entertaining day will do a fantastic job in ensuring the next generation of consumers are aware of the importance of supporting Fairtrade.”
Photo: Students enjoying a previous Fairtrade primary school conference.
