Newcastle North MP, Catherine McKinnell, joined pupils at Walbottle Village Primary School this morning (25th March) as part of a Fairtrade-themed ‘discovery week’.
Catherine was given a tour of the school, now rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, by Head Boy and Head Girl, Joshua Cable and Charlotte McCaffery. She then joined pupils for a special assembly with Methodist Minister, Rev Enid Gordon, who volunteers on behalf of North East-based Traidcraft, before seeing a range of different Fairtrade activities taking place in each classroom.
Traidcraft was established in the North East in 1979, and now works with more than 100 producer groups in over 30 developing countries to provide 450 fair trade food, craft and textile products. It was instrumental in setting up the Fairtrade Foundation, which awards the Fairtrade Mark to products which meet internationally recognised standards.
Catherine said:
“Campaigning about Fairtrade was how I first became involved in politics, and it was really heartening to see how interested the Walbottle Village pupils are in this important subject.
“Hearing about the origins of the Traidcraft movement in the North East was particularly inspiring for the children – learning that in this part of the world we can make a big difference to the lives of people many thousands of miles away, who are less privileged than us. It was really valuable for them to hear how buying something like a Fairtrade Easter egg can support children in other parts of the world to go to school or have access to clean water.
“I also had great fun helping the pupils with their Fairtrade logo collage, but especially making the chocolate filled baked bananas!”
Executive Headteacher, Nicola Nelson-Taylor, said:
“Our children have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Newcastle North MP, Catherine McKinnell, who shared her knowledge and enthusiasm for the ethics of Fairtrade with the children, as well as rolling up her sleeves to join in the fun.
“The pupils of Walbottle Village Primary School are exceptionally caring and take great interest in fairness and improving the life chances of all children and families. I think initiatives that encourage children to become world citizens with character are invaluable, and applaud the MP and Rev Enid Gordon for supporting us in our quest for equality.”