Fairtrade Fortnight Schools' Event: Newry, Mourne and Down District Council

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council held an event in order to promote Fairtrade at the Arts Centre in Newry. The Geography and Home Economics Departments collaborate during Fairtrade Fortnight and pupils take part in a number of activities during this time. As such, the school was invited to attend. Upon being welcomed by Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick, representatives from Tesco and Fairtrade Ireland spoke to us about Fairtrade products and the work of the Fairtrade Foundation, while pupils from St. Clare's Abbey Primary delivered an informative presentation about Fairtrade bananas. The highlight of the event was a presentation by Heydi Mairena, from Nicaragua, who works in the Soppexcca coffee cooperative. She explained about coffee production and the real benefits of Fairtrade for her community such as the construction of a school and an improved road to her village. It was brilliant to hear how Fairtrade had made such a difference in El Salto in Jinotega, Nicaragua.