24 February 2012

Malawian farmer to help mark Fairtrade Fortnight

Photo opportunity: 5.15pm on Tuesday, 28th February at D'Arcy Thompson Lecture Theatre. Masauko Khembo will be meeting members of the Dundee Fairtrade Forum ahead of his talk.

Malawian farmer Masauko Khembo will explain how shoppers can transform the lives of people in the developing world when he appears at this year's Fairtrade Fortnight at the University of Dundee.

Mr Khembo, of Kashinthula Cane Growers Ltd, will reveal how Fairtrade-certified goods enable producers to escape poverty and contribute to the development of their countries when he delivers a talk at the D'Arcy Thompson Lecture Theatre on Tuesday, 28th February.

Fairtrade wine and nibbles will be served in the Tower Foyer from 5pm and there will also be a chance to buy some Fairtrade goods. Pupils from Morgan Academy, Dundee's first Fairtrade school, will also be giving a short talk on the subject during the event.

Fairtrade Fortnight will begin on Monday when a Fairtrade chocolate fountain is unveiled at Dundee University Students Association (DUSA). Various types of fruit will be used for dipping in the chocolate fountain, all Fairtrade of course, and donated by Campus Catering. There will be a Fairtrade Information Stall in DUSA throughout the fortnight.

Film screenings, taste tests and other events will also take place over the next two weeks to encourage students, staff and visitors to consider the ethics of their shopping choices.

Environment and Sustainability officer Trudy Cunningham said she was looking forward to hearing Mr Khembo talk about the benefits of receiving a fair price for goods, and how the choices of shoppers in the developed world impact on people across the globe.

"Fairtrade Fortnight is part of a wider effort by the University to promote and sustain fairer trade alternatives, but no matter how much we bang the drum, hearing from someone whose life has been directly affected will have more impact," she said.

"Fairtrade foods are already available in all campus shops and are used in all cafes, restaurants and bars on campus. Buying Fairtrade goods helps provide support through trade for marginalised farmers in the developing world.

"A few extra pence on your shopping bill can help to implement and to constantly reassess standards regarding the workers rights on issues such as working conditions, wages, child labour and the environment.

"Fairtrade Fortnight is aimed at reminding people of the benefits of Fairtrade and having fun at the same time."

All events are free, and more information on Fairtrade Fortnight activities are available by visiting www.dundee.ac.uk/estates/energy&environment/whatson/ or following Dundee Fairtrade Forum (@DundeeFairtrade) on Twitter.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277