Children in the UK are now learning about fair trade as part of the curriculum. The government hopes these lessons will equip young people to play an "effective role in society." However the International Labour Organisation estimates that over 218 million school aged children in developing countries are not affording this opportunity to learn, as they are working hard in fields or factories.   In Latin America, it is estimated that 42 million children aged between 5 and 14 work in banana or coffee plantations.  Child labour is still a major human rights issue. The problem has been exacerbated recently by increased competition resulting from globalisation.

Perhaps you are wondering what kind of parent sends their child to the factory rather than a classroom.  Imagine you are among the 1 billion mothers worldwide who attempt to support their families on less than 50p a day. Without help you will need the extra income from your child's labour to provide food and shelter and there will be no surplus for their education.

Just Trade is working to make a difference in these situations. By supporting fair trade projects, you are not only helping families break out of the cycle of poverty, but you are assisting small businesses that are family friendly. Zoe, a jewellery project in Lima, Peru, is an example where work materials are delivered to mothers in their homes so they can combine caring for their children with their work.  The income they receive not only helps provide for their family but allows them to pay for their children's education.

May 12th is World Fair Trade Day, sponsored by IFAT (the International Federation for Alternative Trade) the organisation that registers all fair trade projects and factories in the developing world.  To celebrate World Fair trade Day, you can help make the world more fair and just for millions of the kids:
-talk to your kids (or your friends children!) about fair trade
-buy fair trade products
-ask your local supermarket or shop if they can guarantee that their imported goods are supplied from businesses who do not employ children.

Just Trade sells a range of cute organic cotton fair trade baby t-shirts, because your kids need fair trade too.