You buy – we trade: We’re all consumers in one way or another and trade which is done fairly is the most effective way of helping people work their way out of poverty. Every time you buy a fair trade product you’re helping someone you don’t know and will probably never meet, build a better life for themselves, their family and their community.
Don’t believe those who say it can’t be done!
In the village of Kapasule, Malawi, women and children had to carry water in containers for 1.5 kms from the nearest village with clean water. Now, they have their own borehole and pump supplying them with clean, safe water, thanks to the fair trade premium Traidcraft pays for the sugar it buys from local farmers.
Choosing fair trade may add a few coppers to your bill (but not always!) but it will change someone’s life for the better.
You give – we support: Even for hard working producers, making a living isn’t easy. They often lack the know-how and skills to access national and international markets. Providing them with that vital knowledge through training and information resources is what our charity, Traidcraft Exchange, does. Raising money to help pay for that work, is one of the really important ways you can help change someone’s life for the better.
Don’t believe those who say it can’t be done!
Landmines, the legacy of years of conflict, have left large numbers of Cambodian people disabled and struggling to earn a living. Peace Handicrafts, a group working with disabled craft workers, is now finding new customers thanks to training provided by Traidcraft.
You campaign – we influence: Imagine trying to play a game where the other side not only writes the rules but either keeps them secret or keeps changing them in their favour. That’s what global trade is like for many producers in developing countries. By joining in trade justice campaigns, you put pressure on governments and business to change the rules of world trade so they benefit the poor.
Don’t believe those who say it can’t be done!
Tens of thousands of Traidcraft supporters backed our campaign for the introduction of an ombudsman to ensure UK supermarkets treat their suppliers fairly. In the last few months, both the Government and the Opposition have announced their support for the proposal.
Last word: Paulo Friere, the great Brazilian educationist and human rights activist said: “In the struggle between the weak and the strong to do nothing is not to remain neutral – it’s to give victory to the strong.”
So who’s side are you on?
For more information about Traidcraft, its products and its work, go to www.traidcraft.co.uk
© Traidcraft 2010
NOTE: This article may be reproduced or copied for use in faith or community magazines and newsletters. For any other use please contact Peter Collins on 0191 497 6465 or e-mail media@traidcraft.co.uk
