Pengelli Primary School, Swansea

Pengelli students’ journeys to becoming Deforestation Free Champions began in autumn term 2024 where they learned about the various forest risk ingredients in different foods. They went on to investigate Swansea’s school menu and the drinks available in the school staff room to see if any of the products held ethical certifications such as Fairtrade (they did not). They carried out a staff survey to see how aware the staff were about the lack of Fairtrade staffroom products. They also spoke with the school cook about the cocoa powder used to make chocolate cookies – which was also not Fairtrade.

The students took it upon themselves to spread the message about Fairtrade – or it’s absence – in Swansea. They created a display in school to highlight the importance of sustainable and ethical food choices, as well as a Fairtrade pledge tree. The school staff made a promise to only buy Fairtrade coffee from that point on.

The students went on to inspire outside of the school, writing a letter to the local council, their school food supplier (Castell Howell) and Huw Irranca-Davies MS. They also organised a Fairtrade coffee morning for parents to attend, where they presented to the whole school about their Deforestation Free Champion journey. They brought in Fairtrade hot chocolates and chocolate treats for everyone to try. They want the local authority to commit to only using Fairtrade cocoa in Swansea schools.