The Academy of Our Lady of Peace (OLP), the oldest high school in San Diego and the only all-girls’ school in the county and part of a national initiative by Fair Trade Campaigns to engage K – 12 students in issues of global poverty, is proud to announce its official designation as the first Fair Trade High School in San Diego. The school is only the 7th in the state of California and the 29th in the nation. Fair Trade is an economic system that ensures consumers the products they buy were grown, harvested, crafted and traded in ways that improve lives and protect the environment. Fair Trade Campaigns officially recognizes schools in the U.S. committed to educating students about the issues of Fair Trade and sourcing Fair Trade products like coffee, tea, and bananas in the cafeteria, offices and at events.
“Following in the longstanding tradition of our founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, we continue the focus on environmental awareness and concern for social justice,” said Dr. Lauren Lek, Head of School. “While simultaneously answering the worldwide directive from Pope Francis to be good stewards of our earth, the young women leaders of our school have come together to enact this program on campus. The launch of this program through the passionate investment of the students is another testament to OLP serving as the nucleus of women’s thought leadership in San Diego.”
With more than 500 Fair Trade Schools in the United Kingdom alone, the U.S. program grew out of work in Europe and the increasing demand for Fair Trade and ethically produced products to be incorporated into institutional purchasing. Fair Trade Campaigns sees the tremendous impact institutional purchasing in the U.S. can have on farmers and artisans worldwide. “There are few things more exciting than seeing today’s youth come to understand the role that they can play as consumers in making the world a more fair and just place,” said Billy Linstead Goldsmith, National Coordinator, Fair Trade Campaigns. “To see them become not just conscious consumers, but advocates for Fair Trade should challenge all of us to do the same.”
Our goal is to intentionally engage in the Fair Trade movement, through making Academy of Our Lady of Peace an official Fair Trade School. As environmental stewards, seekers of social justice and global citizens, we are excited to partner with Fair Trade Campaigns on this important issue. To join or support Academy of Our Lady of Peace, visit us online at http://fairtradecampaigns.org/campaign/academy-of-our-lady-of-peace/.
There are now over 260 active Fair Trade Campaigns in towns, schools, congregations and universities across the country, now including Academy of Our Lady of Peace.