On 22 May 2025, Form 3 students from TRRS visited the Fairtrade-certified Aponapon Biakoye Organic Cocoa Farmers Association (ABOCFA) cocoa farm in Suhum to gain a hands-on understanding of ethical farming practices and community development. This field trip was an extension of their classroom lessons on sustainability, ethics, and global trade.
During the visit, students had the opportunity to observe the key Fairtrade standards in action, such as the prohibition of child and forced labour, the use of chemical-free farming techniques, and environmentally friendly practices. They also learnt how Fairtrade ensures cocoa farmers are paid fair prices for their produce and how the premiums generated through Fairtrade are reinvested into the local community. A notable example of this was the purchase of a mower to maintain the local school grounds, which directly benefited the wider community.
In addition to learning about cocoa farming, our students were introduced to alternative livelihoods supported by Fairtrade, such as grasscutter and bee farming, which help farmers diversify their income sources.
This field trip perfectly aligned with TRRS’s ethos of academic excellence and social responsibility. It allowed students to connect the ethical and sustainable principles they study in the classroom with real-world applications, deepening their understanding of global trade and community empowerment.
We extend our gratitude to Mr. David Nyatepe, Mr. Eric Asare, Mr. Daniel Dodoo, and Ms. Ethel Quarcoo for organizing and facilitating this trip, which provided students with a priceless learning experience that will have a lasting impact as they continue to explore the complexities of global business and sustainability.