As part of its bid to become recognised as a Fairtrade School, Gladstone Primary School in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan has appointed leading schoolwear supplier, Trutex, to supply polo shirts made from organic fairtrade cotton for its pupils. The announcement follows Wales being declared the world's first fair trade nation.
Gladstone Primary School and its 400 pupils have joined the growing number of schools in the UK which are attempting to achieve Fairtrade School status, which is part of the Fairtrade Schools initiative. As part of the process, the school, with the backing of parents and pupils, took the decision to change its school uniform to incorporate white and sky blue polo shirts made from Fairtrade certified cotton, which all feature the school logo.
As well as introducing uniforms using Fairtrade cotton, other measures have included a tuck shop, where children are given the options of Fairtrade snacks, as part of the school's healthy snack option at break time. Assemblies on Fairtrade are regularly held, a Fairtrade stall selling Fairtrade foods and gifts is set up for parents once every half term and Fairtrade tea and coffee are available for the staff and visitors. The subject has been incorporated in to the geography curriculum, where pupils investigate Fairtrade and look at communities who benefit. Furthermore, the school early this year celebrated Fairtrade Fortnight, when they launched Fairtrade and ensured that all pupils were given introduction lessons.
Gladstone Primary School head teacher, Caroline Newman commented:
"We all felt that we had a responsibility to educate our pupils about the wider world and the impact they can have on other countries and the people who live in them. What better way to achieve this than by applying to become a Fairtrade School.
"Whilst we are in the early stages of the application process, we are confident that we will meet all the criteria, especially now we can boast a school uniform made from Fairtrade cotton."
Clare Rix, Trutex marketing director added:
"We're absolutely delighted to be supporting Gladstone Primary School and wish them every success with their application.
"We hope that by offering school uniforms made from Fairtrade cotton it will encourage more schools to apply for Fairtrade status. Furthermore and perhaps more importantly, it will ensure the growth and development of our supplying operations and their communities throughout the world."
The Fairtrade Schools scheme, set up last year, is a national initiative established by the Fairtrade Foundation to engage young people in development issues and help tackle global poverty through trade. To achieve status, schools have to meet five criteria, including setting up a Fairtrade School Steering Group, made up of both teachers and pupils, and committing to use Fairtrade products within the school. They also have to write and adopt a school Fairtrade Policy, incorporate Fairtrade into lessons and promote Fairtrade both within the school and to their wider community. Schools have to renew their Fairtrade status regularly to prove their ongoing commitment.
