6 to 21 September 2008

During Soil Association Organic Fortnight, people across Britain will be celebrating all things organic. From 6-21 September, individuals, businesses and communities will be hosting events to raise awareness of the environmental, health and social benefits of organic production.

Not only that, but the campaign gives everyone a chance to enjoy organic products from delicious food and drink to beauty and textiles.

The fortnight kicks off with the Soil Association Organic Food Festival, Europe’s largest organic celebration, which takes place in Bristol on 6-7 September. The campaign closes on a high with the Soil Association Scotland’s Organic Food Festival on 20-21 September.

9 May 2009 

WFTD 09 presents the only day in the calendar for global mobilization of significant activity, to impact poverty, climate change, world health and the imbalance in trade.

110 million people, organized around a democratic core known as the International Federation of Alternative Trade (IFAT) deliver USD 2 billion in Fair Trade product and produce can bring about the structural change the planet must see; through global events at grassroots level, impacting local communities across 5 continents and a minimum of 70 countries.

An unprecedented display of authenticity, passion and commitment must be provided. Self- organizing groups will rally around the Fair Trade concept and promote it through their networks, friends/families. Local, national and global trade will be impacted through social, economic and political gatherings. Collectively, all events are world changing. WFTD falls one month before G8 09 Italy and offers the potential for high-level intervention – a correction in the balance of trade.

For more information vist the World Fair Trade Day Website

Duncan Bannatyne, entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den tycoon, said:  ‘When I employ someone I look for initiative and drive; someone who is a self starter and can work well as part of a team.  Volunteering for a programme like Platform2 demonstrates these young people have the desire to do something extra with their lives and help others in the process.  These are qualities employers are looking for on a CV and show more about a person than their qualifications alone.’

Platform2 is a free global volunteering scheme funded by the Department for International Development (DFID) and run by Christian Aid, BUNAC and Islamic Relief.  Open to 18-25 year olds who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to volunteer abroad, it offers the chance to spend 10 weeks living and working in a poor community in countries like Ghana, South Africa, Peru or India.

The scheme gives volunteers the chance to learn about development issues as part of a diverse team, experience new cultures and improve their practical, communication and organisational skills.

On their return to the UK, participants attend a three-day workshop where they devise interesting _and exciting ways of communicating what they have learnt about global issues with friends, family and their local community. They will continue to build on their life and employment skills by making videos, writing blogs and songs, organising talks, putting on exhibitions and getting local press coverage.

Zina Lewis, a Platform2 volunteer from London who has just returned from Ghana, said:  ‘It’s a life-changing experience…..It will be very helpful when it comes to getting jobs because it was quite character-building and shows a lot about you: that you’ve donated your time and gone to live with a group of people that you don’t know, Big Brother-style; that you’re a team player who can work with others and that you have social skills.’

Mark Vyner, Platform2 Head of Programme, said:  ‘Employers have told us that volunteering on a CV looks good – it shows someone has initiative, drive and will have a level of maturity above those coming straight from education. Platform2 offers all participants a great experience and will help them stand out from the crowd in the job market.’

For more information on how to apply for Platform2 visit www.myplatform2.com

Controversy may be surrounding this year’s Olympic Games in Beijing, but in Twic county in southern Sudan, the true spirit of the Olympics is alive and kicking.

The county – ravaged by civil war for 25 years – has hosted its very own version of the Olympic Games, helping to bring peace and reconciliation to a previously conflict-ridden community.

The Twic Games, held annually and organised by Christian Aid’s partner the Sudan Production Unit (SUPRAID), include football, volleyball, tug-of-war and distance running. Teams from six districts compete for the winning trophy and a chance to host the following year’s event, but the real motivation for the Twic Olympics is peace.

The games aim to bring together people from the previously divided districts of Twic and give participants and spectators a chance to get to know one another in a friendly competitive environment. Peace and reconciliation education is also provided in the hope that any future conflict can be fought with words instead of guns.

The games also provide an essential opportunity for young people, returning to the area after a peace agreement in 2005, to become part of a team and integrate back into their communities.

One participant said: "The Twic Olympics challenges everyone who thinks nothing good can happen in Sudan."