Eastleigh College learners have launched a dedicated website to promote a range of fun and inspiring educational online events and activities for children and young adults to raise awareness of Fairtrade. 

The team of Event Management students have planned and organised the activities including quiz nights, interactive learning sessions and a Fairtrade bake off competition as part of the work experience element of their course.

The two week, fun-filled events and activities are free of charge and ideal for children of all ages, especially those who are currently home-learning remotely due to the pandemic. As well as an array of educational activities from quizzes, games and videos the organisers are also offering interactive teaching sessions to schools and child-focused community groups and associations such as Girl Guides and Scouts throughout the region. 

The campaign has been supported by Waitrose, Romsey and Sainsburys, Lordshill who both donated Fairtrade baking produce for the bake off competition. The competition is open to children of all ages, and the donations have been split into individual baking kits which will be distributed through schools for use by pupils who may otherwise be unable to take part. 

Andrew Urben, who is in his second year at Eastleigh College and is project leader for the initiative, said: “We aim to spread awareness for Fairtrade; how together we can support the farmers and workers who provide us with goods from all over the world. We would normally have planned a physical event, but the Covid restrictions led us to brainstorm how we could create events online to meet the requirements of our course, and also provide resources to support local schools at what is a difficult time for us all.” 

Joseph Harrison, Campaign Coordinator with The Fairtrade Foundation, added: “It’s great to see all the work Eastleigh College students have put in. By raising awareness about Fairtrade and the difference it can make to combating poverty, more people can make informed choices to support Fairtrade when they shop. 

“The students’ Fairtrade Fortnight website is sharing vital information such as the fact that the farmers and workers who have contributed the least to climate crisis are among the world’s most vulnerable. They are already feeling the worst effects from unpredictable weather to natural disasters and disease but without stable incomes, these farmers lack the ability to fight climate change impacts and continue to struggle. 

“Poverty and environmental damage in our food supply chains will not end until exploited farmers are paid fairly and given the power to make their own choices. Only then will they have the power to effectively fight the impacts of the climate crisis.’ 

Fairtrade Fortnight runs from 22 February - 7 March, and all activities and events will be virtual so participants will just need a device such as a phone, tablet or laptop to take part.

Andrew added: “The educational learning activities include videos, quizzes and games and are perfect for parents who need a break from home-schooling. We know juggling work, home life and teaching can be hard, so the resources on our website can be used to help provide children with fun learning about something a little different.”  

More information and links to the events and resources can be found on the dedicated Eastleigh College Fairtrade Fortnight website.