Fairtrade Fortnight - Leicester
24 February 2010 to 25 February 2010
Leicester Advocating Fair Trade (LaFT), in collaboration with Divine Chocolate, is delighted to announce a special programme of events on 24th and 25th February to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight.
Two cocoa farmers are travelling over from Ghana and visiting the people of Leicester in honour of the occasion. The farmers belong to a co-operative called Kuapa Kokoo in Ghana which consists of 45,000 cocoa farmers and which supplies cocoa to the leading Fairtrade chocolate company, Divine Chocolate. The two farmers are visiting Leicester to talk to a range of audiences about how fairer trading is helping to change lives in Ghana. They will also be explaining how the farmers’ co-operative actually owns 45% of Divine itself – and how this pioneering business model means an even better deal for farmers.
The dynamic Leicester Advocating Fair Trade group has organised events across the city to appeal to everyone – with plenty of Divine chocolate to go around. For enquires on all these events please contact Sarah Shepherd / 07888 717270.
Wednesday 24th February
Oadby students welcome the farmers
Alistair Menzies of Divine Chocolate Ltd and the two Ghanaian farmers will address an audience of 10-14 year old pupils at Gartree High School in Oadby. Pupils from Brockshill Primary School will also be joining the assembly. After farmer presentations and a Q&A session, Chris Swan from the Oadby Fairtrade Town Group will explain some of the group’s work. Pupils will also talk about the work they have been doing in class on fair trade issues.
At 9.40am the farmers will depart for Brockshill where a Fairtrade Workshop is being held in honour of Fairtrade Fortnight.
At 10.50am the farmers meet students at Beachamp College who are holding a Fairtrade Workshop.
Oakham Co-op meets the farmers
The Co-op store in Oakham is hosting a fantastic event for the farmers to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight. All the Co-op’s own-brand chocolate is grown by Kuapa Kokoo farmers like Comfort and Kojo. A lunch will be provided for the farmers at the store at 12.30pm. Following a tour of the shop, at 2.00pm the farmers will present to the gathered audience, comprising members of the Rutland Fairtrade Steering Group, Student Force, and pupils from Langham School. Representatives from Rutland Fairtrade Steering Group, Student Force and Langham School will also give presentations. There will be opportunities for Q&A’s. Following the presentations, tastings of delicious Divine chocolate and other Fairtrade products will be on offer.
De Monfort University hosts the farmers
Venue: De Monfort University University Campus Centre, The Gateway, Leicester LE1 9BH
Time: 5.30-6.30pm
The two farmers will present to the students about the benefits of Fairtrade and of owning their own chocolate company.
Thursday 25th February
Whitehall Primary School and Abbey Primary School
Venue: Whitehall Primary School, Whitehall Road, LE5 and Abbey Primary School, Ellis Avenue, LE4
Time: 8.30am
Two primary schools will be hosting the farmers for their assemblies. One farmer will go to each school, demonstrating what life is like as a cocoa farmer belonging to a Fairtrade co-operative. Pupils will watch videos on life on the farm and will be able to ask the farmers questions.
Business Lunch
Venue: Courtyard Room, Leicester Creative Business Depot, 31 Rutland Street, LE1
Time: 12.00-1.30pm
An invited audience of city councillors, business & community leaders and interested groups from across the city. An opportunity to hear first hand how fair trading and owning a chocolate company has impacted on the lives of cocoa growers in Ghana. The two farmers belong to a co-operative of 45,000 members which collectively owns 45% of Divine Chocolate Ltd. Company ownership gives farmers like Comfort Kumeah a stronger voice in the international cocoa industry as well as shares of Divine’s profits. That’s good business!
Ghana Night at Loughborough University
Venue: The Dog House, 69 Nottingham Road, Loughborough LE11 1ES
Time: 7.30pm – 9.00pm
Charnwood Action For Fairtrade (CAFF) is hosting a Ghana evening with stalls and live music played by Ghanaian students from Loughborough University. Attendees will learn of the impact of Fairtrade and owning a chocolate company first hand.
Saturday 27th February
St Martins Square celebrates Fairtrade Fortnight
Venue: St Martins Square, Leicester city centre
Time: 11.00am – 2.00pm
Retailers in St Martins Square are swapping the tea and coffee they normally drink for Fairtrade brands during Fairtrade Fortnight. Visitors are invited to St Martins in Leicester city centre between 11am and 2pm and find out about swapping to Fairtrade. There will be free samples of Divine chocolates, Fairtrade tea and coffee. Find out about other Fairtrade items by visiting Just, Leicester’s Fairtrade shop at 36 Silver Street. Local band Sambando will bring the samba rhythms of Brazilian-style salsa so come and join in the Fairtrade celebration!
For enquires on all these events please contact Sarah Shepherd