What is it?

The Margaret Demidecka Fairtrade Award was started in 2006 by the Justice and Peace Group, affiliated to Churches Together in Tring, Hertfordshire, for the best Fairtrade Fortnight activity in local schools. It is given in memory of the late Margaret Demidecka, a founder member of the Justice and Peace Group and a Fairtrade supporter, who died suddenly in December 2005. In 2009, the Justice and Peace Group came together with the Fairtrade Foundation to provide prize money to make the Margaret Demidecka Award a national competition. There will be a prize of £350 for the best primary and the best secondary school activities. If your school wins, you could use the prize money to strengthen Fairtrade activities in your school, and put on events in the community.

Who can apply?

The competition is open to all primary and secondary schools. You don’t have to be a Fairtrade School to enter – we want to hear about events in any school.

What are the judges looking for?

The judging panel will include representatives of the Fairtrade Foundation and the Justice and Peace Group, Tring. They will be looking for innovative and interesting activities which really tell the story of Fairtrade producers to a wide audience. The entries are judged on four criteria: Impact; Imagination; Educational content; Relevance to the theme. The judges want to see that the events have really showed what Fairtrade means and how it can change the lives of producers in the developing world.

Last year’s primary school winners were the students of St Ninian’s Primary School in Gourock. They adapted a well-known TV quiz to be a Fairtrade quiz, including creating fabulous graphics on powerpoint and using the distinctive music. Parents were then invited along to take part in the quiz and test their Fairtrade knowledge.

Last year’s secondary school winners were the students of Worthing High School who created thought-provoking films about Fairtrade during Fairtrade Fortnight.

How can my school enter?

Start by organising your event or activities for Fairtrade Fortnight. For inspiration about the themes of Fairtrade Fortnight 2010, download the Fairtrade Fortnight Schools Action Guide.

Download the application form (93.52KB) for the Margaret Demidecka Fairtrade Award.

Return your form with evidence of your event such as photos, samples of posters, leaflets or media coverage to the Fairtrade Foundation by 21 May 2010 (no more than six pages of A4) Please note we cannot return your materials.