Schoolchildren on the Isle of Man got a headstart on Fairtrade Fortnight recently at a special Fairtrade Conference for Primary Schools, run by the Isle of Man Fairtrade Group in association with the One World Centre and sponsored by the Manx Co-operative Society.

The event, which has previously won the Best Campaign award from the Fairtrade Foundation for its educational impact, saw groups of children from 17 local primary schools gather at Legislative Buildings in Douglas at the end of January.

Students learned about the Fairtrade movement, how Fairtrade improves prospects for farmers and producers in developing nations and the positive impact the Fairtrade Premium has on local communities.

The day included lots of activities with four different workshop sessions, including one on Fairtrade chocolate, and a chance to debate about the Fairtrade Premium in the debating chamber used by Manx politicians. The students were welcomed to the event by the President of Tynwald Clare Christian MLC.

Keynote speaker was Robin Stewart, who as well as being a long-standing board member of the Manx Co-operative Society, is Vice Chair of the Scottish Fair Trade Forum.

Robin said: “It was a fantastic day and a pleasure to be part of such an innovative and inspirational event. The students were challenged to think about fairness, equality and the impact of our way of life on others around the world.

“Despite their young age they really engaged with the principles of Fairtrade and part of the afternoon session included planning for what they could do in their own schools during Fairtrade Fortnight. It was really encouraging to hear their ideas and see such understanding and enthusiasm in the next generation.”

One World Centre Director Rosemary Clarke added: “We are extremely grateful to the Manx Co-operative for their support of the conference and to Robin for sharing his knowledge with the students. The Isle of Man has been a Fairtrade Island for a number of years now and it is important that we ensure that younger people appreciate the importance of Fairtrade in a global context; and that what we do on our own small Island can have a big impact on farmers and producers in other parts of the world.”

Photo - Students work on their ideas for Fairtrade Fortnight.