Welshpool Church in Wales (CIW) Primary School, a new Primary school in mid-Wales have introduced 100% Fairtrade cotton-certified school uniforms, sourced from the ethical school clothing manufacturer Koolskools.

The new school, which will merge Oldford Infants, Ardwyn Infants, Gungrog Nursery and Infants and Maesydre Junior School in September have been determined to instil the new school’s ethos “bringing out the best in each other” into all aspects of school life, and feel school uniform is a good place to start.

Justine Baldwin, the new head teacher said;

“I am delighted that our new school will be supporting Fairtrade in such a practical and comprehensive way, and that our Governing Body have been so supportive of this initiative. Once the Governors saw that the Fairtrade uniform offered excellent quality and value for money, the decision was an easy one. I hope that the parents and carers will value the stance we are taking to show our pupils how important it is to have awareness of ethical trading and how our actions here in Wales can impact on others’ lives across the world.”

Powys County Council Portfolio Holder for Schools, Cllr Myfanwy Alexander has showed her support, and her wish to see more schools in Powys choosing Fairtrade. She commented:

“I commend the whole school community at Welshpool Church in Wales Primary School for this laudable decision, which demonstrates the school’s values extending into every corner of their activity. I would be delighted to see other Powys schools will follow their lead.”

Koolskools have visited pupils in the various schools to talk about their new Fairtrade uniforms. Pupils learnt how their new uniform will be directly benefiting small scale cotton farming communities in India, helping their counterparts in India to gain access to education and healthcare.

We at Fair Trade Wales are really pleased that Welshpool Church in Wales Primary have taken the decision to use uniforms made with Fairtrade cotton in ethical factories. It is great to see more and more schools in Wales choosing this option as pupils become globally informed citizens; understanding that small actions can make a big difference.

We hope that more Welsh schools will embark on their own Fairtrade cotton journeys.