National Minimum Curriculum (NMC)

The NMC states that “in a world in which people are becoming more independent, it is no longer possible to plan our present and future without viewing decisions and choices from a global perspective.  An education with a global perspective would allow students to realize that much of what is taking place in our country is conditioned by external events.  One ought also to promote the view that the sustainability of life on earth is contingent on our everyday choices”.  Learning about trade means viewing decisions and choices from such a global perspective, since it gives students an opportunity to understand how in today’s world everyone is affected by international trade.  Specifically Fair Trade helps us understand how daily choices we make as consumers have a direct effect on the lives of the poor. Fair Trade poises the question:  “How can we trade for everyone – and especially for the millions of people living in absolute poverty?” 

The NMC states that in “ a society that is increasingly becoming multi-cultural, the educational system should enable students to develop a sense of respect, cooperation and solidarity among cultures”.  Educating about Fair Trade is educating about the skills and culture of grassroots farmers and craftspeople that create quality products for the market.

The NMC states that on completion of one’s education one should be an informed consumer, namely one that “understands the social and environmental effects of different patterns of consumption” and “appreciates the values of co-operation and solidarity.”  Fair Trade is a partnership between consumers and producers based on solidarity and cooperation.  It is about being an ethical and responsible consumer. 

Matsec Syllabus

Section IV of the Social Studies Matsec syllabus is called Global Connections and International Issues.  This section includes refers to issues of poverty and affluence, international solidarity and even specifically fair trade. Educating about trade helps us understand how current world trade rules are loaded against poor people and the environment, and how global trade rules put big business first, cost the earth and are undemocratic.  Fair trade provides a just, democratic and transparent alternative that has poverty eradication as a key aim. 

The first part of the Business Studies Matsec Syllabus includes a section on Business Ethics.  Fair Trade provides a working model of ethics in business.  Fair Trade organizations work to promote fairer trading systems as a solution to ‘third world’ poverty.