Limerick students reminded of the importance of Fairtrade

LIMERICK pupils have been reminded that climate change is making the work of the Fairtrade organisation more important than ever.

In a bid to promote the Fairtrade message and to help celebrate the 17th anniversary of Limerick as a Fairtrade City, pupils visited Limerick City and County Council Headquarters on November 29.

An alternative approach to conventional trade, Fairtrade is based on a partnership between some of the most disadvantaged farmers and workers in the developing world, and the people who buy their products.

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As part of an awareness programme, the students created Christmas Cards centred on the Fairtrade message of promoting fair trading practices between Ireland and developing countries.

Created by pupils of all ages, from five up to 18, the initiative involved schools across the city and county, in a bid to illustrate what Fairtrade means to them.

Overall winners were Kate Hennessy, from Scoil Dean Cussen Bruff in the Primary School Category, and Aoife Velayati, from Laurel Hill Secondary School, SC Rd in the Secondary School Category.

Chair of the Limerick City Fairtrade Committee, Dolores O’Meara, said that everyone is concerned about rising prices, the uncertainty of energy supplies and the impact of climate change.

“These issues have a far greater impact on those living in the developing world, where they have little or no governmental supports. One way in which we improve their situation is to support them through Fairtrade,” she added.

In 2005, Limerick was awarded status as a Fairtrade City, showing commitment to support a fairer trading system with developing countries.

To ensure that producers in developing countries receive a fair price for their products, the Fairtrade programme ensures a minimum price for negotiations between producer and purchaser.