News

An appeal have been launched inviting all schools in the Borough of Poole to become certified Fairtrade schools. This is one of many ways in which Poole is planning to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight , running from the 1-13 March. The appeal has stemmed from Poole's ambition to achieve Fairtrade Town status and also from the notable popularity of Fairtrade products amongst young people in Poole.

Poole will join over 200 others in the quest to become an official Fairtrade Town but five criteria must be met before this status can be issued. They include Fairtrade products being used by a number of local work places, community organisations and schools.

Poole has already come a long way towards achieving Fairtrade Town status. Poole Council has met the first criteria by passing a resolution to support Fairtrade, including the serving of Fairtrade products internally. A steering group has also been set up to monitor the progress of Poole succeeding in its Fairtrade aims and to coordinate further action including the need for schools' co-operation.

Poole's Fairtrade Schools team has created a straight forward plan for schools to follow, although it will require a certain level of effort from the schools themselves to be successful.

Lucy Moseley, Youth PR Co-ordinator, Borough of Poole, said: "This appeal gives all schools in the Borough of Poole an opportunity to make use of the support from Poole's dedicated Fairtrade Schools team. This would make a difference to the lives of many people in developing countries and I feel that young people will respond positively."

In her year as Member of the Youth Parliament for Poole, Ruth Bessant was instrumental in promoting Fairtrade. She found that a notable desire for Fairtrade products has been demonstrated by young people. She said: "They are expressing an interest in ethical issues such as Fairtrade and finding their voice on a more influential stage. The strong views of young people have encouraged me to become both the co-chair of Poole's Fairtrade Steering Group and a part of the specialised Fairtrade Schools team."