Making a difference to farmers
Pupils learn how fair trade improves people’s lives
Youngsters learned all about the difference fair trade can make to people’s lives with a special visit from two African coffee producers.
Berna rd Kaunda and Christopher Gondwe of Mzuzu Coffee in Malawi spent the day in Renfrewshire as part of Fairtrade Fortnight.
They met pupils from five Renfrewshire primary schools – St James’ in Paisley, Williamsburgh, St Paul’s, Bushes and Inchinnan – and told them about Malawi, how fair trade works and how they produce coffee which goes all around the world.
Afterwards, the farmers were the special guests at an open evening held at the Methodist Church hall in Paisley.
Bernard and Christopher visited Paisley as part of a trip hosted by the town’s fair trade organisation, Rainbow Turtle, in conjunction with Scottish Malawi Partnership and the Scottish Fair Trade Forum.
Provost Lorraine Cameron, who attended the event at the Methodist Church, said: “It was fantastic to meet these inspiring producers as they visited Renfrewshire and I was delighted to officially welcome them to the area.
“The chance for our pupils to listen to a real life producer telling their story firsthand is immeasurable and this will hopefully encourage them to support fair trade throughout their lives.
“It is extremely important that we recognise the positive difference that fair trade makes to the lives of producers like Bernard and Christopher that a small change to your shopping habits can make a huge difference to the people at the beginning of the process.
“Fair trade does not only exist during this fortnight, so please take the time to learn more about the issue, purchase fair trade alternatives where you can and join the fair trade movement in Renfrewshire.”
Fairtrade Fortnight finishes this Sunday, March 11, and this year’s theme is ‘Come on in’ which encourages people to stand with farmers and close the door on exploitation.
Schools throughout Renfrewshire have been supporting Fairtrade Fortnight with activities, tuck shops and dedicated lessons to ensure pupils are aware of the important messages the cause involves.
For more information on fair trade, go to www.fairtrade.org. uk or www.renfrewshire.gov.uk