SIR – It’s good to see that Titus Salt School has received this recognition of “Fairtrade Status” and that it will mean more than just lip-service to an increasingly fashionable bandwagon.
It was the bit about integrating Fairtrade into lessons that got my attention.
Most of the time people respond to Fairtrade with a rather vague “it’s a good idea, isn’t it?” attitude, which usually evaporates when faced with an unknown brand, possibly slightly more expensive, alongside a heavily-advertised and maybe cheaper alternative.
While teachers and others are raising awareness in young people about the unfairness in most trade today, it is to be hoped that ordinary lessons will point to better ways of helping our neighbour everywhere, eg by paying a fairer price for the goods we buy every day and by realising that the consumer is powerful – a lot more powerful than they think.
Just as slavery was only abolished by continuous campaigning, so unfair trade will only disappear if the ordinary person in the school is aware of their own ability to change and the necessity of doing so.
So, best of luck, staff – you may have to change yourselves as well!
Why not start with the school dinners and the snacks on sale?
David Somerville, Lilycroft Road, Bradford
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