It is back to school time. Lessons to study, clubs to join, and sports to play. While he was probably talking about adults, Pope Benedict has noted that, “Consumers should be continually educated” about their social responsibility when making purchases. Here at CRS Fair Trade we think that young people are some of the best students of Fair Trade. The youth we work with easily connect with the “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” logic of work and trade, especially as they take on more responsibilities with family chores, part-time jobs, and career planning. They enjoy learning about the farmers responsible for treats like Fair Trade chocolate, and artisans who create the latest cool jewelry and fashion accessories.
With the school season upon us, CRS Fair Trade offers some ideas for learning more about Fair Trade:
- View a video and download a reflection guide about the coffee farmers of La Fem in Nicaragua. You’ll hear directly from two cooperative leaders about why Fair Trade is important to them and their families. These materials are made possible thanks to a partnership between CRS and RENEW International.
- Send student off in style and solidarity with a uniform from Fair Trade Uniforms. Over the years, students have led the way in confronting sweatshop abuses. CRS Fair Trade is proud to recommend this clothing project of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd.
- Raise Money Right because youth fund-raising is about more than just dollars. With Divine and Equal Exchange Fair Trade chocolate you can earn dollars for your local causes and support farmers globally.
Whether as consumers here in the States or as members of producer families, children are often the beneficiaries of Fair Trade. Help your students experience the fun and justice of Fair Trade this school year.
Children of cocoa farmers attend summer camp. Photo by Jackie DeCarlo/CRS
