Local MP continues fair trade schools campaign

Last week, South Lakes MP Tim Farron continued his series of visits to local schools to talk to pupils about fair trade with a visit to Stramongate Primary School in Kendal on Friday.

Mr Farron is asking local schools to join initiatives to become beacons of the fair trade campaign and also gain 'fair trade status'.

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.

As part of Tim's campaign to raise the profile of the project he has been into numerous schools in the area and will continue to do so until the end of term.

Speaking after his visit: "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."