How Fair Trade Increases Access To Education

Fair trade helps increase access to education for children around the world. As a member of the Fair Trade Federation, we fight for a future where “all children have the right to security, education, and play.” 

Scholarships, community funds, and educational centers are all ways fair trade works toward this goal, but it starts with providing families the time and resources for children to attend school.

A History of Oppression

Throughout history, many agricultural workers have been asked to meet unrealistic yields for little pay. Children have had to work to help their families reach their daily requirements. Without adequate pay, they are also unable to send their children to school.

The same goes for adult workers who want to further their education and branch out of their current trade. This system of oppression keeps people from advancing and rewards the oppressor.

Fair trade works to stop this system of inequality by creating realistic standards for a day's work, flexible schedules, fair wages, and the abolition of child and forced labor.

By earning a living wage, families can afford school supplies and exam fees, though fair trade rarely stops there. The following programs are just a few examples of the extra steps fair trade takes to support education.

Education In Nepal

Ganesh Himal Trading, who has been working with artisans in Nepal since 1984, started the Conscious Connections Foundation.

Alongside infrastructure and healthcare efforts, this foundation provides many educational benefits, including monthly stipends that cover school fees and supplies for Nepali children, mainly girls.

They hope to raise enough funds for their educational endowment so these students will not have to worry about affording education for many years.

Scholarships for Girls In Guatemala

Mayan Hands works with women in Guatemala and provides scholarships and twice-annual gatherings for 50+ girls a year. Men in many Guatemalan and Mayan communities often receive priority for education, as it is assumed they will be the ones to leave the community to find a job.

Many girls in poverty are married young as their parents cannot afford to support them. They become mothers early, and the cycle continues, keeping women out of education. Fair wages and scholarships help create the change needed to end this cycle. Through their website, you can read comments from the girls with Mayan Hands scholarships.

Opportunity In Uganda

Project Have Hope works with women in the Acholi Quarter of Uganda. Alongside the creation of vibrant jewelry, the organization provides many benefits.

“Scholastic sponsorships to the artisans’ children, vocational training to support employment opportunities, small business loans and grants to women, a breakfast program, and an overall community outreach program to step in and help as needed.”  Read words of hope from one of the students on their blog.

Access Everywhere

At Latitudes Fair Trade, we support a range of organizations focused on varying degrees of progress and education. One example is Women’s Bean Project.

They provide job training and employment to women facing barriers to work in Denver, CO. One part of their core curriculum for women in their employment program is GED Prep and Adult Literacy.

Education creates a foundation for people to get jobs, live independently, and think critically. When you shop fair trade, you support organizations that pay fair wages, put an end to child labor, and invest in the education of future generations.

You can shop Mayan Hands, Ganesh Himal, Project Have Hope, Women's Bean Project, and more at Latitudes today. Join us in supporting all their efforts for education for children and artisans around the globe.