Students at one of the Fairtrade workshops
Over 60 young students joined us at Legislative Buildings last week for the fifth Fairtrade Primary Conference.
Sixteen of the Island’s primary schools took part in the event which saw students take a day out of the classroom to learn about all things Fairtrade.
As well as a formal conference session, the students each participated in four workshops. These included a chance to debate in the Tynwald Chamber, a look at the production of Fairtrade chocolate (including an all-important tasting!), a philosophy for children discussion on the concept of fairness and a look at all the different products now available as Fairtrade.
The event was supported by the Manx Co-operative Society, who provided items for a packed lunch, and the keynote speaker was Amy Morris from the Co-op’s Fairtrade team who talked about the benefits of Fairtrade for producers in the developing world.
President of Tynwald Steve Rodan addressed the conference and welcomed the children to the Legislative Buildings.
Towards the end of the day, the children worked in groups to come up with ideas for Fairtrade activities in their own schools during Fairtrade Fortnight which this year takes place between 27th February and 12th March.
