Take part in Fairtrade Fortnight
What is Fairtrade Fortnight?
For two weeks each year, at the end of February and start of March, thousands of schools, colleges and universities across the UK come together to learn from the people who grow our food and drinks, mine our gold and who grow the cotton in our clothes – people who are often exploited and underpaid.
Through learning about how we are all connected through the things we eat, drink and wear, young people are equipped with the knowledge and skills to shape a more compassionate and sustainable world.
What happened during Fairtrade Fortnight 2021?
Last Fairtrade Fortnight, schools explored the topic of ‘Climate, Fairtrade and You‘, learning how farmers around the world are affected by climate change. Students shared their own visions of the world that they want for farmers and workers worldwide and the planet that we all share. These inspiring works were displayed in the 2021 Fairtrade Youth Exhibition.
What’s happened since then?
Since then, the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) has taken place in Glasgow. Young people urged politicians to be fair with their climate promises and support those most affected by climate change. Their calls took the form of hand-written messages displayed on hand-crafted banana, cocoa and coffee leaves – shining a light on the farmers most impacted. As more messages were written, a forest of promises began to take root across the country.
The Forest of Promises highlighted that those who have done the least to cause this crisis are hit the hardest by extreme weather and increasing temperatures. This isn’t fair. Sadly, the wealthiest nations who attended COP26 did not commit to take urgent action to support those most affected by climate change.
What will be the learning focus of Fairtrade Fortnight 2022?
So, this Fairtrade Fortnight, we invite your school to stand with farmers and workers seeking climate justice. We have created new films, lesson plans and activities that will help you to explore the inequalities at the heart of the climate crisis, and learn how governments, businesses, schools and individuals can take collective action for a fairer future.
How can I get involved?
1. Teach about Fairtrade and the climate crisis
If you’re new to the topic of Fairtrade and the climate, check out our ‘Climate, Fairtrade and You‘ topic packs. They are full of assemblies, lesson plans and activities to help your students learn about climate change and its impacts on farmers around the world.
If you want to take your learning a step further, check out our new film and lesson series ‘A Fair Future’. Through this series, your students will learn why trade justice is necessary for climate justice, and how we can all take action for a fairer future.
It’s never too early to start learning about Fairtrade! Little ones can join in the fun with our new Comic and Activity Pack, co-produced with our friends at EarthCubs. Join Gigi the Giraffe in Kenya to find out where coffee comes from!
2. Come along to the Choose The World You Want Festival 2022
From online panels to chocolate tastings and teacher training sessions, the Choose The World You Want Festival 2022 will take place online from 21 February to 6 March. Our top picks are Education for Climate Justice and The Big Fairtrade CPD!
3. Get involved in the 2022 Fairtrade Youth Exhibition
Young people up to the age of 25 are invited to send a message to the individuals, businesses, MPs and wider community visiting the 2022 Fairtrade Youth Exhibition: a message to inspire climate action and remind exhibition visitors that we must listen to the farmers most effected by climate change. Last year, the 2021 Fairtrade Youth Exhibition saw 13,000 visitors. This year, that number is set to grow. Click here to get involved.
Thank you for supporting Fairtrade. If you have any questions about Fairtrade Fortnight in schools, please email schools@fairtrade.org.uk. For general campaigning materials and more detailed information about the Fairtrade Foundation’s campaign for climate justice, visit the Fairtrade Foundation website.
