“Fair Trade does not merely teach a business to fish: it encourages them to share their catch with those around them.” Wise words from Year 9 student and winner of Trade Aid’s Essay Competition, Dylan van Lier. Impressing the judges with his understanding of why trading under fair conditions is important for the eradication of poverty (the topic of the essay competition), Dylan beat 32 other students from the wider Auckland area to win a cash prize and Trade Aid products for his school.

The timing of the essay competition was to raise awareness for the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, the essence of this UN day being at the heart of Trade Aid’s work. Dylan’s first place essay and Louise Blackmore’s second place essay are featured on the Trade Aid website at www.tradeaid.org.nz. Selwyn College scooped prizes in each category, winning the third equal prize with Year 9 student, Kobaana Poopalasingham’s essay matching Shamila Ebadi’s from Waitakere College.