Kilmarnock Academy wins a national Fair Trade award

The Scottish Fair Trade Awards 2021 recognised individuals, businesses, faith groups, schools, universities and others who work hard to support Fair Trade in communities across the country.

The team from Kilmarnock Academy, namely Mrs Noakes, Miss Saunders, Jamie, Kirsten and Ruth from S6, won the Fair Trade and Sustainability Award for their resilience and commitment to Fair Trade and sustainability during the pandemic.

The school’s Eco and Fair Trade Group has been involved in various Fair Trade and sustainability initiatives for many years including sales of Fair Trade goods in school, provision of paper and plastic recycling in classrooms, and educating the wider school around sustainability issues.

The school also held a digital Fair Trade event during Fair Trade Fortnight, which included Fair Trade treasure trails, poster competitions and quizzes.

David Rose, Head Teacher said: “We are extremely proud to have won this award which is dedicated to the commitment and determination of the pupil led group and staff involved.  It is a true reflection of the reliance and dedication through the most significantly challenging period in educational history in the last 100 years and I hope serves as huge encouragement to our young people, staff and community partners.”

The Chair of the Scottish Fair Trade Forum, Charles Sim, presented the school with their certificate. He said: “Despite the challenges faced over the last year, the students in the group have continued to find ways to share their passion for Fair Trade. As a school actively involved in making ours a vibrant Fair Trade Nation, they deserve to be celebrated as winners of a Fair Trade and Sustainability Award."