MP LAUNCHES FAIR TRADE SCHOOLS CAMPAIGN

8.37.10pm GMT Mon 22nd Sep 2008

Schoolchildren across south Lakeland are being invited to help win 'Fair Trade' status for their schools. This week MP Tim Farron will begin a series of visits to local schools to talk to pupils about fair trade.

Schools can win fair trade status by forming a steering committee, agreeing a fair trade policy for the school, incorporating fair trade in the school's lessons, promoting fair trade in the community and - most importantly - ensuring fair trade products are used in school.

"Young people living in rural communities like ours can relate very well to the injustices experienced by farming communities in poorer countries. Learning that, of the 50 pence you might pay for a non-fair trade chocolate bar, less than half a penny actually goes to the person who grew the cocoa, helps us to understand how important fair trade is. Becoming a Fair Trade school is a great way to learn about other cultures, about simple economics and about justice. The schools that have asked me to come in to speak to them about the project have all expressed an interest in become 'Fair Trade' schools and I'm really excited about giving young people the chance to get really involved in making a difference in their schools, their communities and poorer communities overseas," says Tim.