World Fair Trade Day - 

Saturday 8 May 2021

After our fabulously successful Slavery Free Chocolate Campaign leading up to Easter at the end of last term, last Saturday 8 May was a timely reminder that it is not just Easter chocolate that might be made from the exploitation of vulnerable people. 

It is estimated that over 40 million people globally are trapped in slavery or slavery-like conditions - one in four of them a child. Some of these are trafficked into slavery and others forced to work in appalling conditions for a pittance. 

Much of the coffee and tea we drink, and the cocoa used in the chocolate we eat and drink, can be traced back to these children and adults working in conditions of slavery. 

The decisions we make about what we buy can change this. By deciding to buy only products certified slavery-free, we can help eradicate child labour, forced labour and human trafficking, and make a difference to the our world. 

You might wonder why we have such a focus on this at St. Joseph's. Well, that's down to Catholic Social Teaching, and the fundamental truth that each and every person - without exception (that's right! even children forced into slavery; even YOU) - is made in the image and likeness of God. 

Each of us, then, is born with an innate and inalienable dignity. This is non-negotiable, and must be respected by others. Modern slavery is a direct and heinous attack upon this dignity. 

In solidarity, we are all therefore called to actively and unceasingly seek to assist our brothers and sisters who find themselves the victims of the scourge of modern slavery and human trafficking. 

As it is the goal of each person to do good, it is the aim of society to work towards the common good. We cannot, therefore, allow our brothers and sisters to be enslaved in the production of goods or services for our consumption. 

You might like to watch this video to remind yourself of why it is important to choose to purchase ethically and sustainably produced products: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txH7G1RkD8I 'When one suffers, we all suffer' (1 Cor 12: 26) Claire Hogan Educator For Justice Info credit: https://resourcecem.com/slavery-free-resources/

Claire Hogan 

Educator For Justice

Info credit: https://resourcecem.com/slavery-free-resources/