Fairtrade campaign pupils get creative (From Dorset Echo)

Fairtrade campaign pupils get creative

2:30pm Wednesday 6th March 2013 in News By Martin Lea

CHILDREN are being asked to get creative as campaigners promote two weeks of awareness.

Schools in Weymouth and Portland have been contacted by the local Fairtrade Forum which is challenging youngsters to make a sculpture from Fairtrade products and packaging such as coffee jars and chocolate bar wrappers.

Fairtrade is a growing movement that aims to help producers in developing countries and improve trading conditions.

Fairtrade Fortnight, which this year runs until March 10, is an annual event promoting the brand and celebrating ethical trading values.

Elisabeth Orrell from Weymouth and Portland Fairtrade Forum said schoolchildren were encouraged to display their sculptures at a Fairtrade outlet or location such as a local cafe or church.

Members of the forum will then visit locations to judge the artwork and award prizes.

The closing date is March 15, and not as stated in a letter sent to schools. Teachers need to send details of entries to forum secretary Sue Stow.

The forum is also sponsoring an award at this year’s Nash Cup football tournament involving 20 primary and middle schools from Weymouth, Portland and Dorchester.

For the first time, Fairtrade footballs – those made without child labour which give workers a fair price – will be used in the matches, to be played on Friday at Redlands.

Mrs Orrell said: “The fairer price ensures that the children of the family no longer have to work to help support the family, but can instead afford to go to school and get an education.

“By using Fairtrade footballs, the children taking part in the Nash Cup this year will be enabling their counterparts in Pakistan – where three quarters of the world’s footballs are made – to secure a better life and future.

“We hope they will go home with a great feeling knowing that their matches this year have made a difference to some equally football-mad youngsters on the other side of the globe.”

The forum is sponsoring the Fair Play Cup, awarded to the team that the referees feel have shown the best team effort and spirit of fair play.

Events to promote Fairtrade are also being held at local schools including coffee mornings, display and tea parties.