The Sixth Form College Farnborough

Farnborough Sixth Form College joined an elite group of colleges and universities by being awarded Fairtrade status this week. The College was required to meet a wide range of demanding standards by the Fairtrade Organisation before the formal status was granted.

 

The newly installed Mayor and Mayoress of Rushmoor, Cllr Alan and Mrs Sandra Ferrier, presented the award to the College. Cllr Ferrier said, “I am proud to present this certificate to the College as my first function as the Mayor of Rushmoor – there is no more important work for young people to be involved with than creating a Fairtrade society”.

 

Sarah Jewell, Campaigns Coordinator for the Fairtrade national organisation, attended the ceremony at the College. She said, “Farnborough Sixth Form College is setting an example for others to follow by its commitment to Fairtrade demonstrated not only by the sale of Fairtrade products throughout the campus but also by the campaigning activities of students within the community”.

 

College Principal Dr John Guy said, “I am extremely proud of the work of the students over the last few years to lead the Fairtrade campaign both in the College and beyond”.   As a result of their pressure, the Governors of the College passed a resolution that not only all tea and coffee served in the student and staff refectories should be Fairtrade products but also at all formal College functions.

 

Sarah Jewell paid particular tribute to the Fairtrade Steering Group in the College led this year by 18 year old Emily Murrell, of Crondall. Emily has been particularly involved in campaigning in the Borough of Rushmoor and among many activities, with fellow students, she modelled Fairtrade clothing in a Fashion Show in the Borough offices.

 

Emily said, “Achieving Fairtrade status was a result of students, staff and governors at the College working together to achieve the common goal of helping to create a fairer world”.

 

The launch was attended by several hundred students. The College caterers, Scolarest, who are fully committed to the College’s Fairtrade policy, added a light hearted element by supplying Ben and Jerry’s Fairtrade ice cream to students and guests at the ceremony”.

 

Incoming Student President, Theo McCusker, 17, of Frimley said, “I am proud that this status has been awarded to the College in my opening term as Student President. I pledge the support of the new Student Association to maintaining and promoting the Fairtrade ideals to new students in September”.