At fairandfunky we empower people to take their own little steps to change the world. We run creative and interactive workshops on global themes of Fairtrade, recycling and the environment. We run events, we sell online, we blog and we take action – anything that encompasses those themes!
Fairtrade Fortnight is a campaign initiative from The Fairtrade Foundation – a chance for all Fairtrade campaigners to raise awareness and SHOUT about Fairtrade, wherever they are. And fairandfunky are no different – we are getting ready to SHOUT.
Fairtrade is one of the ways each and every one of us can take our own little step to change the world. Fairtrade connects us with the people behind the product – when you buy Fairtrade you are choosing to buy into a system which works with and alongside the poorest people in our world to trade out of poverty. Fairtrade enables farmers and workers to earn a fair price for the work they do, it gives them a voice in decision making, and empowers women. Fairtrade creates real opportunity and makes real change for farmers and their communities.
Don’t just take our word for it. We have been lucky enough to meet, and speak to, a number of Fairtrade producers and have heard powerful words of how Fairtrade has made a difference. “Fairtrade has literally changed our way of thinking. It’s taught us to look after what is ours – for example our natural environment. It’s taught us to look after the health and safety of the workers on the farm. It’s given us the ability to save, so we’re able to educate our children. Even more importantly, it’s given us an opportunity to educate others in the community. In the co-operative we all get together and collectively make decisions about the best way to use the Fairtrade Premium.” Foncho Cantillo, Colombian Banana Farmer.
“Fairtrade has changed our lives so so much. We can pay for schools fees to send children to school. We have bought oxen and ox carts which has made everything so much easier!” Kenneth and Howard, Malawian Rice Farmer.
“Fairtrade makes my tea business sustainable and secures the environment. The premiums do social projects and are dear to us!” Patrick Kaberia, Kenyan Tea Farmer.
These conversations are really humbling. The things that have changed their lives, we take for granted – a roof on their houses, better transport, schools for their children, food on their tables. It inspires us to keep going and to continue to stand up for farmers and give them a voice; and to share the message of Fairtrade as far and wide as we can.
This Fairtrade Fortnight we plan to do just that –we’re organising 3 schools conferences which, in total, will inspire 275 students and 60 teachers to take Fairtrade back to their schools and communities. We’re leading 3 assemblies in local schools to share the message of Divine Chocolate and how they work to change the world. We’re running two Fairtrade focussed SCRAPtastic workshops in Huddersfield, alongside the fairandfunky pop-up shop. We’re speaking at an event in Halifax Minster to share ideas on local campaigning. And we’re also going to Parliament to engage MPs in conversation about Brexit and Fairtrade. Not forgetting BANANA BREAKOUT on Saturday 4th March with our Holme Valley Fairtrade friends.
It’s exhausting, but it’s worth it. And when Fairtrade currently only touches 1% of trade globally; and when half of the world’s hungry are farmers; this work is just the beginning.
So we invite you, to join us, wherever you are and however you can. Take a read of our Fairtrade Fortnight guest blogs over a cup of Fairtrade tea, share fairandfunky news on social media*, tell a school about the work we do or come along to one of our events. Whatever step you take, makes a HUGE difference to farmers and producers, and it is my taking all these little steps together that we will change the world.
*Find us on facebook, twitter and Instagram!