Tuesday 8 March 2011
FVC First for Fairtrade Status
Forth Valley College have become the first college in Scotland to be awarded Fairtrade status.
Martin Rhodes, Director of the Scottish Fair Trade Forum, officially bestowed the college with the honour at a special ceremony at FVC’s Stirling Campus on Tuesday 8 March.
The presentation coincided with a Fairtrade café organised by FVC Life Start students who were recognising ‘Fairtrade Fortnight’ (28 February – 13 March 2011) an annual event to raise awareness of the Fairtrade Foundation www.fairtrade.org.uk movement.
Iris Aitchison, FVC’s Depute Head of the Department of Business and also Fair Trade Co-ordinator, said: “We have been striving for Fairtrade status for a long time now and are delighted today to become the first college in Scotland to receive such an honour.
“Becoming a Fairtrade college is a legacy for our learners now and in the years to come. It’s not just about buying Fairtrade products and carrying out activities in Fairtrade Fortnight, it’s about changing hearts and minds for ever. Just imagine – 16,500 learners leaving our college every year, knowing about the benefits of Fairtrade and taking that message into their communities and families.
“The added value, if you like, is that their social awareness of others has been raised - they have learned about becoming better citizens, and are more aware of economic global issues and sustainability.”
Martin Rhodes, Director of the Scottish Fair Trade Forum said: “Forth Valley College have shown to be fully committed to the Fair Trade philosophy and I am very happy to be here today to present them with Fairtrade status. They have certainly worked very hard on providing a Fair Trade option for staff and students across their campuses
“Hopefully Forth Valley College can now become an inspiration for other further education institutions across Scotland to follow suit and pursue a Fair Trade policy.”
Notes to Editors:
'Fairtrade' (one word) refers to the mark given by the Fairtrade Foundation to products they can verify adhere to strict Fairtrade standards.
'Fair Trade' (two words) refers to products or organisations that are Fair Trade or fairly traded and are certified by organisations like IFAT. This term is also used to refer to the wider Fair Trade movement and to the Fair Trade Nation campaigns.
The two terms are not generally interchangeable.
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