World Fair Trade Day - May 14, 2011

A sewer at Bega Kwa Bega (Korogocho Slums, Nairobi, Kenya) makes over the shoulder bags from Kikoy scarves. This fair trade co-operative produces a variety of craft products including sewn items, bead work and necklaces, tie-dyed art and leather products.

Did you know that more than one third of the world's population live in poverty - that's 2.7 billion people worldwide living on $2.00 per day or less. For those of us in the Western world, it is a hard concept to grasp. For us, it is the price of one cup of coffee and with just that $2.00 those living in poverty have to pay for their acommodation, food, clothing and children's school fees. It's a pretty daunting way to live.

But on May 14th, 2011 you can help many of those living in developing countries by supporting World Fair Trade Day. Most people living in the developing world are small business owners from the woman selling her excess vegetables or crafts at the side of a dusty African road to groups of people working in fair trade co-operatives like Bega Kwa Bega in the Korogocho Slums of Nairobi. Here former drug users, alcohols and prostitues have been given an opportunity for a new life with training in life skills, business and craft skills. It is amazing to see the impact that fair trade has made on improving their quality of life.

This year's theme for World Fair Trade Day is "TRADE FOR PEOPLE - Fair Trade your world." The World Fair Trade Organization asks you to join with small producers world wide in celebrating small business by supporting fair and sustainable economies both locally and globally. Look for fair trade items when making your purchases in the grocery store or other shops. Support fair trade sales like Ten Thousand Villages that purchases globally from fair trade businesses. If we all started supporting fair trade businesses imagine what a better world we could create - one of equality and prosperity for all.

For more information on World Fair Trade Day check out the World Fair Trade Organization's website at www.worldfairtradeday10.org.