The University of Winchester is a values-driven institution which offers excellent programmes of study sustained by teaching and research of the highest quality.

The University was proud to have achieved Fairtrade University status in 2007 and is currently working towards the new University Fairtrade accreditation. For over 10 years the University has actively engaged with students, staff, local businesses and the community to raise awareness for Fairtrade and the plight of farmers and producers and the barriers that developing countries’ farmers sometimes face, including unfair or unequal trading conditions. Through Fairtrade, these workers and their families feel less vulnerable and more able to control their destiny.

In previous years Fairtrade Fortnight was very much an interactive process within the university. Offering lectures, fashion shows, product tasting, quizzes, festivals and much more, including last year’s very popular gala dinner. This incorporated local and Fairtrade food and was organized for us by 2^nd year Event students from Eastleigh College.

This past year Covid-19 pandemic has devastated both local and global communities, including some of the poorest people on the planet. It is therefore more important than ever that we continue to raise awareness and inspire people of all ages and social groups to support Fairtrade.

This year the Eastleigh students have really challenged themselves by providing a digital platform to help raise awareness around Fairtrade, social justice and making international trade a more just and level playing field. Their new website will provide huge support and learning activities, for not only schools and college pupils, but also those pupils being home-schooled due to Covid-19. This will undoubtedly be a real respite for most parents

The website will allow pupils and students alike to understand that Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. The benefits that Fairtrade farmers and their communities receive provides them with a more stable lifestyle. Providing this support and education for our children will help them understand that through positive actions we make a real difference for others.