With Christmas soon approaching, pupils at Tavernspite CP School have been thinking about how they can send out a positive message of hope, whilst taking action to love and care for their neighbours.

Sharron Hardwick, Fair Trade In Football Campaign founder, recently visited Tavernspite Classes 4 and 5 to share about how they can make a difference this Christmas with Fairtrade.

The pupils took part in the Christmas Fairtrade presentation, including Fairtrade Foundation gingerbread resources, learning how Fairtrade guarantees a better deal to farmers and workers, with safe working conditions and no forced labour, whilst using the best methods for the environment. They were pleased to hear how extra money called the Fairtrade Premium is paid out to Fairtrade certified businesses on each Fairtrade item they sell. This money is used by communities to provide education, healthcare, clean water and sanitation, or whatever that community decides it needs.

Class 4 decorated a giant recycled cardboard Christmas Tree and made colourful baubles with messages of Fairtrade hope to hang on the branches.

“We learned that we have power in our hands to make a difference. We can make choices that help workers get a fair deal. This means that there is no slavery, workers are safe and farmers can feed their families, send their children to school and look forward to a better future,” said one pupil.

Class 5 learned how the many different spices in gingerbread are grown by Fairtrade farmers in India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar and beyond.

Preparing for their performance of Fairtrade Foundation’s Gingerbread play, The Gingerbread That Changed The World, two groups from Class 5 decorated two giant gingerbread biscuit cut-outs, while three pupils practised their parts.

The group put on an excellent performance to Classes 4 and 5; they used their super gingerbread shapes as props. It is hoped that they will share their Fairtrade message to the whole school during an assembly.

“Tavernspite are a fantastic Fairtrade school committed to making a real difference. Their compassion and caring attitude is always evident. Pupils and teachers are keen to get involved by learning and putting their findings into action. They show us all that we can use the power in our hands and together we can make a difference,” said Sharron.

Fairtrade products can be found in local shops, larger supermarkets and online, just look for the Fairtrade Mark and Fairtrade Cocoa Programme mark. For details visit: www.fairtrade.org.uk