What can we do about the millions of people around the world struggling to survive on less than a dollar?

Fair trade is about us all. It is capturing the imagination of consumers across the developed world. By changing our buying habits we can directly benefit producers and workers in developing countries and ensure they receive a fair price for their goods.

The latter months of 1999 saw 45 young women graduate from Salvation Army Home Economics centres in Haiti. The course itself is an important means of providing skills enabling women to support themselves and their families.

The home economics course covers five subjects – design, pattern cutting, sewing, flour making and cookery. At the graduation ceremony each graduate models an outfit she has made during the course.

Venice Pierre supports herself by sewing for the community. “I am proud because I can work for my living,” she says. “Sometimes, when I am selling my garments, people tell me they cannot afford to pay for the goods, so I just give them away.”

Marise Appollon, who specialised in cookery, now has a shop of her own. She bakes bread and caters for parties, making cakes, pastries, cookies and sweet bread.

Monica Forestall, mother of three children, graduated in pattern cutting and sewing. At the beginning of the school year she makes school uniforms and sells them. She also makes special dresses for Easter and Christmas. This work provides her with a small, steady income to support her growing family. Other students who completed the course some years ago are now teachers themselves.

This home economics course is proving to be productive in producing independent women. Think about the people who cultivate our food or produce our handicrafts. Next time you get the opportunity, use the fair trade option. It won’t cost that much more but you can be assured that more of your money is going to the people who have worked so hard to produce whatever it is you are buying.