Pembroke-based development education centre and charity Global Connections are running, in association with other community groups, a full programme of events for the forthcoming Fairtrade Fortnight, from March 6 - 19.
The general theme this year is Fairtrade Sports Balls involving not only sponsored local matches, but workshops to raise awareness of sports-related issues, including child labour and working conditions in this industry. Global Connections will also be helping to raise awareness of the benefit to producers by us purchasing Fairtrade food items, such as coffee/tea, bananas and chocolate.
The north of the county is involved this year with a Fairtrade Fair and Coffee Morning being held in Crymych Market Hall on March 10. In association with the Wales Fairtrade Forum, they have also arranged for a banana producer from the Windward Isles to visit the Fairtrade Open Day at Monkton Community Hall on Friday, March 17.
Youth Activities
Global Connection's youth officer will be working with youth clubs around Pembrokeshire to raise awareness about Fairtrade issues through fun, interactive sessions. This will involve community artists working with youth groups to raise awareness and do hands-on activities, and a training session to support youth workers in teaching young people about key Fairtrade issues and enabling them to purchase Fairtrade stock for their organisations. Formal Education
A competition for Pembrokeshire schools and other activities include schools workshops linked to making football/rugby balls, schools workshops by community artists and links to the Pembrokeshire Sustainable Schools Awards Scheme. Community Events
March 7 - Milford Haven Fairtrade Town Status Declaration. March 9 - Pembroke Dock Mothers' Union, 7 pm. March 13 - Haverfordwest WI House, Global Connections providing a talk to the WI. March 9 - Fairtrade workshop for the residents of Ashdale Care Home Pembroke Global Connections. Community events - free entry and open to the public March 10 - Crymych, community event with Fairtrade stall, 10 am - 12.30 pm. March 11 - Milford Haven. Trade for Life Cleddau are organising a street event to celebrate gaining Fairtrade town status March 17 - Monkton. All day (10 am - 5 pm) event in partnership with Communities First Community Hall with stalls and MP Nick Ainger attending. Free Fairtrade tea, coffee and biscuits. Afternoon workshop for all ages with community artists making a giant Fairtrade football. March 18 - Fairtrade local football club Monkton Swifts, sponsored match; with a rugby match coming up soon with Pembroke RFC. The GC office will be open throughout the fortnight for chat and drop-in sessions. For more information about anything on this exciting programme, contact any member of the team on 01646 687800 or visit their website at http://www.globalconnections.org.uk">www.globalconnections.org.uk