A Global Development Day for students of Moyles Court School, near Ringwood

Year 7 and 8 students at the school undertook a variety of activities and workshops designed to encourage an active and responsible attitude towards a range of global inequalities and development issues, such as poverty and interdependence.

Students were able to talk to a representative from Traidcraft to find out about the work that this organisation does to support producers in developing countries, and the difference that can be made to their lives just by buying Fairtrade products.

A speaker from Oxfam talked about the work that this charity does to reduce poverty in so many countries, from providing emergency relief through to long-term aid projects to provide clean, safe water, education, improved healthcare, and more.

Some students had a go at making clay pots or carving wooden spoons – helping them to realise the skill, patience and hard work that goes into producing objects that we take for granted every day, and how easy life is for us with machines and gadgets to do the hard work.

Other students followed the story of cotton from seed to garment – a long process involving some very poor conditions, but which Fairtrade is improving. Students then decorated their own Fairtrade cotton bags.

It was a different day for the Year 9 students who spent the day with Sunrise Bushcraft and found out just how hard life can be trying to survive without all of our modern conveniences. Preparing their own lunch involved making bread as well as gutting and filleting the fish that had been caught for them. The young people had to prepare and start a fire, gathering the correct types of sticks needed and using a variety of techniques to get the fire going, and keep it going!

In the afternoon, they tried their hand at shelter building—learning from their first attempt that it is important not to use dead or rotten wood as the weight of the other material on top will lead to it collapsing! Once covered thoroughly, these shelters can last for weeks.

At the end of the school day students, staff and parents all celebrated Fairtrade Fortnight with some delicious cookies and cakes, baked by some of the students using Fairtrade ingredients.

Mrs Sam Benham, Head of Geography adds: “It was a fantastic day, enjoyed by all and the students now have a better understanding of life in other countries and the issues they face. With an appreciation of what we have, we can also make a difference to someone else’s life, just by going shopping. Moyles Court students will definitely be looking out for the Fairtrade logo!”