Atholl pupils getting into the Fairtrade habit

4.15.06pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 25th Apr 2008

The children at Glasgow Academy Atholl have recently started learning about Fairtrade

It's never too young to get into the Fairtrade habit.

That was the message from Jo Swinson MP to pupils at Glasgow Academy Atholl in Milngavie today, as she took up an invitation from the school to give a presentation to pupils aged 3-8 about Fairtrade.

As well as having recently begun teaching the pupils about Fairtrade, the school is working towards the awarding of its first Green Flag from Eco-Schools Scotland.

Commenting after the visit Jo Swinson said:

"I was delighted to be invited along to Glasgow Academy Atholl to talk to the pupils about Fairtrade.

"As was shown by a successful Fairtrade Fortnight recently, the growth in Fairtrade initiatives in Milngavie and Bearsden is very impressive. Efforts to improve knowledge in schools are particularly important, which is why I was pleased that the pupils at Atholl Prep were already aware of Fairtrade issues.

"There have been huge increases in the sale of Fairtrade products in the UK, but total sales in 2003 still represented only 0.17% of total spending on food and drink. There is still much more to be done and our local schools are a vital way to show all local people that we can make a difference."

Head of Glasgow Academy Atholl Jean McMorran added:

"Fairtrade is such an important part of our pupils' lives. We live in a global society where we want to work together and support others. Jo's talk helped the children understand more about their world."

Related Links:

Fairtrade Foundation

Eco-Schools Scotland