Fordham Students for Fair Trade

Here at Fordham, students are offered the unique opportunity to take classes structured in ways different from the typical lecture style college class. I am currently enrolled in a class titled Fair Trade and Microfinance while allows students the opportunity to learn about issues of Fair Trade and Microfinance while also conducting a small Fair Trade business right on campus.

So you may ask, what is Fair Trade? In many countries around the world, individuals make, grow and produce products that will eventually be sold to final consumers. When initial suppliers purchase these items from those who make, grow or produce them, they often pay very low prices that are not sufficient enough to cover the living expenses of the workers who make, grow and produce them. As a result, many of these workers are forced to live in conditions of extreme poverty.

The academic component of this course requires students to read articles and watch documentary films related to issues of Fair Trade. Each week, students record their reactions to the assigned readings or documentaries in short essays. The class meets weekly to discuss students’ reactions to the issues of Fair Trade addressed in each respective assignment.

Students in the class conduct a small Fair Trade business on campus known as Amani which sells jewelry, chocolate, and soapstone. The jewelry and soapstone are purchased from artisans in Kenya for Fair Trade prices which allow workers the opportunity to purchase basic necessities and live poverty free lifestyles. We sell weekly at the student center on campus and also sell in some off campus craft fairs, especially during the holiday season. The revenue earned is used to purchase more products from our suppliers in Kenya. Earlier this year, we welcomed jewelry supplier Joseph Machina to Fordham University during his first trip to the United States. During his visit, Joseph addressed the students for Fordham about issues facing his community in Kenya as we celebrated Fair Trade week.

Being enrolled in the Fair Trade and Microfinance class here at Fordham has been one of my greatest experiences thus far. Not only have I gained knowledge on an issue I would not otherwise have explored, I also have been given the ability to make a difference in the life of artisans in Kenya each time I sell an item from our Amani business. Fordham allows students the opportunity to truly fulfill the Jesuit mission of creating men and women for others. Find something you are passionate about and get involved, the possibilities are endless.