Stunell Champions Fairtrade Schools

11.12.11am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 25th Feb 2008

Andrew Stunell, local MP for Hazel Grove, is backing a call for all 28 schools in his constituency to sign up to the Fairtrade Schools scheme.

It is part of an ambitious national plan, launched during Fairtrade Fortnight, to certify 2,000 primary and 500 secondary schools as holding Fairtrade status by 2009.

Mr Stunell is writing to head teachers inviting them to take part in a programme of training and good practice aimed at developing fairer international trade between developing countries and the rich world.

Commenting, Mr Stunell said: "This is a great way to encourage our children to get involved in one of the most important issues affecting the world today. I can think of no better time than Fairtrade Fortnight to raise awareness of the effects of trade on the world's poorest people.

Stockport Council set the pace locally when it signed up as a Fairtrade Council 18 months ago

Now the new campaign asks schools to register with Fairtrade and to develop teaching, student led activities and Fairtrade product promotion. So far, over 1,000 schools have signed up nationally.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Schools wanting to apply for Fairtrade School status must first register their interest with the Fairtrade Foundation. As part of this registration they agree to work towards five criteria, including involving pupils in the schools fair-trade plan. After one year, the school is invited to apply for Fairtrade status with evidence of implementation of the five criteria. Full details of the Fairtrade Schools scheme are available at www.fairtradeschools.net/schools

Sales of Fairtrade products have grown on average by 40% every year and in 2006 reached £284 million signifying growth of over 1,000% since 1998.

Over 1 million farmers and their dependents are beneficiaries of Fairtrade. More information is available at www.fairtrade.org.uk