Children from 17 island primary schools enjoyed a day of activities and debates within the Tynwald Chamber at an annual Fairtrade conference.

Groups of pupils in years five and six (ages nine to 11) represented their schools at the event, which saw a number of workshops and a talk about how Fairtrade has helped farmers out of poverty.

The conference, now in its eighth year, counts towards the Isle of Man retaining its Fairtrade Island status. It is organised by the One World Centre (OWC) with the Isle of Man Fairtrade Group.

Wendy Shimmin, OWC coordinator, said: ’The conference provides a great forum for children to learn about Fairtrade and the principle of paying farmers and producers a fair price for their goods.

’It also introduces wider concepts such as whether trade can be used to entrench existing inequalities or provide opportunities for disadvantaged people and what impact each of us can have individually through the choices we make as consumers.’

Heather Thompson of Traidcraft Exchange gave a speech on how Fairtrade helped a coffee farmer and his family in Tanzania out of poverty as well as touching upon how climate change may impact Fairtrade producers who mostly live in developing countries.

A chocolate-making workshop was another highlight for the children who learned about the supply chain.

They also carried out a debate arguing for and against the motion that buying Fairtrade chocolate helps to save the environment.

The students were tasked with thinking about what they could do to spread the message about the issue, particularly during Fairtrade Fortnight, from February 24 to March 8.

The event was held at Legislative Buildings, in Douglas.