“It gave the children (and myself) more understanding of Fairtrade. It will enable us to have a deeper understanding of the importance of helping others and making correct choices.” Year 6 teacher, Rawdon St Peter’s CE Primary School.
Our Chocolate and Fairtrade workshop is always thought provoking and challenges participants to look closely at supply chains and consider sustainability, fairness and co-operation. With a range of child-centred activities the workshop inspires internal motivation to make a difference. We begin with an ‘experiment’ – pupils are asked to complete a simple task yet are given a variety of tools to do this making it easy for some, impossible for others. The cries of “It’s not fair” echo around the classroom and the discussions begin. How does it feel to struggle? Are you able to share resources? The distribution of wealth and resources IS unfair and our workshop encourages young people to think of others and be empowered to take little steps to change the world.
“Informative, hands on and interesting, the workshop developed Fairtrade knowledge in our students and their understanding of processes involved.” Year 5/6 Teacher, Rawdon St Peter’s CE Primary School.
Chocolate is a firm favourite; we all enjoy devouring a chocolate bar treat. But as we do, how often do we stop to consider where chocolate comes from, and all the people involved in getting that bar of chocolate to the shops? The question ‘Where does chocolate come from?” is asked until a whole supply chain appears at the front of the classroom with students representing many different roles from truck drivers, ship captains, factory workers, shop keepers, cocoa farmers and more! And everyone along this supply chain needs paying for the work they do. It’s complicated – all the different jobs happen in different countries with varying overheads, and cost of living. But what often happens in supply chains is that value is added to the end product and the farmers responsible for harvesting the raw product receives very little. Through role play, debate, and discussion young people are given an insight into the supply chain of chocolate, the role of cocoa farmers and the importance of buying Fairtrade; so they begin to understand their impact upon the world around them.
It’s been a pleasure to work with three Year 5 classes at Rawdon St Peter’s CE Primary School this month at a time which is usually Fairtrade Fortnight, it’s good to know there is a focus on trade in schools throughout the year. We also took our Chocolate and Fairtrade workshop to two Year 5 classes at Honley Junior School thanks to community sponsorship from Social Progress.
Fairtrade Fortnight 2024 runs from September 9th – 22nd and we are already taking bookings. Do get in touch if you’d like to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Fairtrade with a fairandfunky workshop.
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