The achievements of pupils and staff at a North Yorkshire prep school in promoting fair trade and helping improve the lives of farmers in developing countries have been recognised.
Pupils at Belmont Grosvenor School, an independent prep school based at Swarcliffe Hall, Birstwith, near Harrogate, have been presented with a Fairtrade Yorkshire Schools Award.
Three of the school’s Fairtrade Ambassadors, Alicia Kernaghan, Rebecca Troy and Alexia Broadbent, travelled to the University of York St John to attend a one-day conference organised by the Centre of Global Education York and York Fairtrade Forum.
And, following the seminar, the school was presented with a certificate for its achievements in promoting fair trade by the Lord Mayor of York, Coun David Horton.
Pupils at the co-educational prep school, recently rated “outstanding” by independent school inspectors, have been busy organising a series of events for Fairtrade Fortnight.
Activities have included a Fairtrade Mother’s Day stall, a special assembly and the collection of Fairtrade labels to cover a map of the world.
- Belmont Grosvenor School Fairtrade Ambassadors James Marston, Sophie Huber and Alicia Kernaghan
Mrs Bev Dillon, Fairtrade co-ordinator at Belmont Grosvenor School said everyone at Belmont Grosvenor School was committed to promoting fair trade, and was delighted that their efforts had been recognised at the conference.
Mrs Bev Dillon said:
It is important for our children to learn about where much of their food comes from and how far it has travelled, and how important it is that the farmers and crop producers are paid fairly.
The school has a team of 11 Fairtrade Ambassadors, from Year 2 to Year 6, whose aim is to encourage classmates, their families, and teachers, to become involved in Fair Trade activities.
All tea and coffee served at events at Belmont Grosvenor School is Fair Trade, and an Easter egg hunt planned for later this month will involve Fair Trade chocolate eggs.
For more information about Belmont Grosvenor School, set in 20-acres of grounds, contact the school on 01423 771029 or visit the website at www.belmontgrosvenor.co.uk
