Aberdeenshire school pupils will show their support for Fairtrade Fortnight by attending a talk from a Mauritian textile worker today.
Pamela L’Intelligent will speak to pupils from schools throughout the district about her experience in the manufacturing industry and the importance of Fairtrade products and how they have changed her life.
Ms L’Intelligent, who began working with textiles at the age of 13, now works for Craft Aid – a non-profit organisation that creates garments for international clients.
She said: “Since I started working at Craft Aid I’ve learnt new skills – I can now make entire garments, not just individual pieces – and I’m able to have a better work-life balance, spending more time with my daughter,” she said.
Fairtrade Fortnight runs until March 8 and, as part of the two-weeks of awareness raising, Ms L’Intelligent will visit Fyvie and Alford’s primary schools and Alford Academy
Aberdeenshire became the 17th Fairtrade zone in Scotland in January 2013 and a number of local towns have since achieved Fairtrade status, including Banchory, Peterhead, Stonehaven and Alford.
The talk, which is open to all schools, will take place between 3.30pm and 5pm at the Montgomery Development and Education Centre on Queen Street, Aberdeen.
It will be followed by an evening Fairtrade event in the same venue from 6.30pm which is open to all.