We rise by lifting others. It’s true we can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone. This brings us to our topic – Fair Trade!
Hmm, What’s Fair Trade? Okay, so let’s make this simple. It’s basically the chance to change someone’s life. A local farmer barely making ends meet, because he isn’t acknowledged. However, with Fair Trade you’ll be able to turn that around. With simple shopping choices you can get farmers a better deal, a better life. This means, they would be able to make their own decisions, control their futures and lead the dignified life everyone deserves. Best part of it all? We can make that happen ourselves with just a little support and encouragement.
Fair Trade is about better prices, decent working conditions, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers.
Ever wondered if Fair Trade is recognized in Lebanon? Well, of course! In fact, let’s talk about Fair Trade Lebanon (FTL) which is a * Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) born in the year of 2006 out of the will of a few Lebanese who wanted to change the livelihoods of disadvantaged rural populations in Lebanon. *
This association is amazing. Its mission is to create export opportunities for the traditional small producers and food processing cooperatives living in these areas. There exists so many underemployed agricultural infrastructures along with an outstanding traditional know-how. Yes, they could have easily stood by and watched or ignored it all together, but that wasn’t the case. Fair Trade Lebanon was then created in order to strengthen the production and marketing of the products while improving the working conditions of the producers (such as gender equality and no child labor) and applying the principles of Fair Trade (better pay, transparency, pre-financing, long-term partnerships among others).
No, that’s not all they do. In reality, not everyone is familiar with this minority. Thus Fair Trade Lebanon carry out activities to raise awareness of fair trade by giving speeches in schools and universities. This will help in building a sense of appreciation in the minds of young which are our future generation.
The Dalai Lama once said: “Our prime purpose in life is to help others.” Therefore, why not start small? Let’s meet this Sunday May 21st at St. George’s Convent – RoumiyehQleyat from 12PM to 5PM to support this incredible cause by attending Fair Trade’s annual World Fair Trade Day (WFTD) celebration which consists of a rural and authentic outdoor lunch organized by Fair Trade Lebanon with the support of the US Middle-East Partnership Initiative (MEPI).
Your attendance Is extremely important for support of Fair Trade which aims to reduce poverty in Lebanon and fight against the country’s increasing rural exodus. Let’s face the facts, the Lebanese rural cuisineLebanese rural cuisine is one of the best out there, would you say no to an open buffet of that goodness with your family and friends on a beautiful sunny day. In addition, there will be a hike before the lunch that starts at 7:30AM. A great family bonding activity on a Sunday morning huh?
For all the information regarding the Tickets, hike and more you’ll find them on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1245228318908510/
Because Trade Can Be Fair! Join Us To Celebrate World #FairTradeDay!!
