Edinburgh Fairtrade Schools

Did you know that schools can gain Fairtrade School status? This is an initiative run by the Fairtrade Foundation, similar to the Fairtrade Towns/City initiative.

A Fairtrade School is a school that is committed to Fairtrade.  This means:

• it uses Fair Trade products as far as possible;
• it learns about how global trade works and why Fair Trade is important; and
• it takes action for Fair Trade in the school and the wider community.

To become a Fairtrade School you need to meet 5 goals:

• set up a Fairtrade School Steering Group composed of at least 50 percent pupils and which meets at least once a term;
• write and adopt a Fair Trade Policy (an example is shown here) which has the support of the School Board and is signed by the Head Teacher;
• use and sell Fair Trade products as much as possible;
• learn about Fair Trade in at least three subjects in two year groups; and
• take action for Fair Trade at least once a term in the school and once a year in the community.

For further details visit the Fairtrade Schools website where you will find supporting materials and resources.  The Fairtrade Schools action guide will provide you with everything you need to know about becoming a Fairtrade School.

The Eco-Schools programme now encompasses Fair Trade issues as part of the new module ‘Sustaining our World’ and as part of the wider sustainable development agenda.

Three Edinburgh schools have so far gained Fair Trade status. Further information about them is available by clicking the links below:

• St. Thomas of Aquin’s RC High School
• Towerbank Primary School
• Stenhouse Primary School