Tec Voc earns Fair Trade designation

Fair Trade Canada has officially declared Tec Voc High School as a Fair Trade School.

The school announced the achievement on Nov. 28 during a Farm and Fair media event in the school’s cafeteria.

Tec Voc is just the third school in Manitoba—and the first in Winnipeg School Division—to earn the designation.

“Fair trade is a global movement made up of a diverse network of producers, companies, shoppers, advocates and organizations putting people and planet first,” said student Sarah Dela Cruz. “The Fair Trade movement is growing as people realize that they can help alleviate poverty and protect the environment by choosing Fair Trade products.”

The Nov. 28 event was held as a celebration of Tec Voc’s connections to Manitoba farmers and Fair Trade farmers worldwide.

Simply speaking, fair trade is a system of trading with developing countries that ensures a fair price is paid for exports, and that the farmers/producers of those good are paid a fair wage and have good working conditions.

“It’s a world-changing way of doing business,” said student Matina Phanthirath. “We want to show solidarity with children in poorer countries. When Fair Trade certified products are used, farmers’ children get a chance to go to school while their families have a brighter future. That connection brings us together in a powerful global movement for change.”

Over the past year, Tec Voc’s Fair Trade Committee has worked to build student awareness of the connection between the food supply and the people that grow our food on a daily basis—both locally and globally.

Tec Voc offers a wide array of Fair Trade products, such as coffee, tea, chocolate, coconut, bananas, root beer and more at Stinger’s Store (the school’s general store) and its Vespa Coffee and Juice Bar.

Another important part of the equation is Manitoba farmers. When it comes to products that we are able to grow and produce in Manitoba, it makes good environmental and economic sense to buy locally.

“When you buy local produce, you are supporting local farmers,” Sarah said. “And there is certainly no shortage of farmers’ markets in Manitoba, where there’s a wealth of fresh, high quality produce. Buying local produce is also better for your health…the fresher it is, the more nutrients it has.”

The media event, which was attended by representatives from local producers groups, also featured a menu of Grown-in-Manitoba or Fair Trade products. Tec Voc’s Culinary Arts students and teacher Livia Gloux provided the testing menu for the event.

See the video below (courtesy of Tec Voc Broadcast Media Arts) for an in-depth look at Tec Voc’s Fair Trade initiatives.