Working with a local community based organisation in West Yorkshire and a local authority, we have established a group of young people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds – who would not normally socialise with each other -  from some of the poorest areas. The programme’s content is entirely youth-led and links them with youth peers from a producer community in a developing country that the LYF has already worked with.

These young people are now learning about the principles of ethical and fair trading, about international development and about a business approach which can benefit entire communities rather than just individual entrepreneurs. 

The group have set up their own ethical trading enterprise (called the 'Young Ethical Pioneers' - YEPs) developed their own product range, been exposed to successful ethical entrepreneurs and are testing the new fair trade enterprise Schools Curriculum materials with the group, created by our friends at the Co-operative College UK.

During the last 12 months the group has:

• Raised awareness of Fair Trade amongst West Yorkshire’s Muslim community by holding an Eid Fair Trade Party, attracting 300 people.
• Managed Fairtrade delegate refreshments and sold their own ‘Ethical Christmas Gift packs’ at the Transitions Towns North conference and at the local Holme Valley Fair Trade Fashion Show 
• Carried out a Fair Trade Towns Audit  for Kirklees Metropolitan Council
• Worked with local Fair Trade Co-operative 'Fair Traders Co-operative' in Holmfirth to undertake training in relation to their own product range
• Undertaken team bulding and training at Scargill House, N Yorkshire
• Received the fantastic 'donation' of their own offices and facilities - from the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce

The group is now working to develop their own products – designing, importing, marketing and selling it, in partnership with producer communities in developing countries. Ambitious stuff indeed! But their commitment and drive has greatly impressed everyone who has come into contact with them – private businesses, NGOs and community leaders.

This is a grassroots project – meaning that the young people are determining the learning elements, experiences and trading products themselves. If you share our belief that supporting young people in ethical trading is a way forward for marginalised youth - both here and overseas - then there are two ways that you can help us:

1)     We need more funding to create more of these groups. You can donate to us by visiting Money

2)     Entrepreneurs/ businesses interested in getting involved, we can send you our full ‘Young Ethical Entrepreneur Prospectus and Business Plan’  contact us

 “Muslim communities in the UK have been slow to become involved in ethical trade. So it was amazing to see a diverse group of young people working together to raise awareness about Fair Trade amongst Huddersfield’s Muslim community. All credit to the Lorna Young Foundation for doing this.  I hope they can work with young people elsewhere in the country.” (Chair of Manchester Muslim-Jewish Forum)

 *Check out YEPs progress via our new LYF Facebook pages! Look for 'The Lorna Young Foundation' (illustrated by Kenyan children in a coffee garden)