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We held a Trade Justice event at Dulwich Grove URC on Saturday 29th September 2007. The objective was to raise awareness about Trade Justice issues amongst the local population of East Dulwich and the Ghanaian congregations that use the church for their services. The two churches are Open Door Ministries, led by Rev Kwaku Duah that meets on a Sunday morning, and the other is The Evangelical Presbyterian Church led by Rev Derick Dzandu-Hedidor, which meets on a Sunday afternoon.
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We had two speakers, Reverend Emmanuel Aggrey-Ogoe, one of the members of our campaigning group - a Methodist minister and chaplain to the Ghanaian Community in London.
The second speaker was Richard Reddie, the Project Director for set all free, an organization established by Churches Together in England to commemorate the bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act in 2007. The project aims to highlight how the abolitionists' values can transform our relationships on an individual, community and society level. set all free is focusing on slavery – both historic and contemporary – and encouraging Church and society to be as prophetic and courageous as the black and white abolitionists of yesteryear in tackling the legacies of transatlantic slavery such as racism, cultural loss and poverty in Africa and the Diaspora, as well as modern forms of slavery such as bonded labour, people and sex trafficking and migrant working.
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Reverend Emmanuel spoke passionately about the negative impact that unfair trade rules were having on the livelihood of ordinary Ghanaians, who continue to prefer imported products rather than supporting their own locally produced items. He used the example of textiles to make the point –a substantial amount was spent every year in purchasing wax prints from Holland as part of wedding trousseaus, whilst the locally made textiles were regarded as second best.
He also talked about returning to the village where he grew up, and finding cheap foreign imports had decimated the local economy, with the closure of factories, high unemployment which had in turn led to other problems amongst the population like high crime, worsening health etc.
Rev Emmanuel interspersed his talk with relevant scriptures from the Bible that tell us of a God of justice who wants to see the values of fairness displayed.
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Richard Reddie reminded us of the legacy of the Slave Trade, and how slavery still continues today in many different guises, one of which is child labour. Many UK manufacturers still use factories where children are made to work long hours in terrible conditions, to satisfy the West’s desire for cheap products. He reminded us of the importance of doing the right thing morally, rather than just looking at the economic implications. Buying Fairtrade products was one way of ensuring producers got a fair price for their goods.
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Janet Watson from Christ Church very kindly stepped in to man the Fairtrade Stall which made a good level of sales and also demonstrated to the gathering the fantastic range of products they have available. We had a wide selection of products including chocolates, toiletries, and gift items.
Nic Mensah-Dika, an artist, and member of HHUC displayed some of his batik work and Richard Reddie also had some of his books for sale.
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Yasmin, a member of Herne Hill United Church who also works with a local group Whippersnappers, led the children and young people in a very energetic drumming, dancing and singing session.
The drumming and dancing took place on the stage of the hall, during a break between the two speakers It added a lot of colour and brought a liveliness to the gathering and was thoroughly enjoyed by the children and young adults who participated.
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- In total, we had just over 50 people, eight of whom were children under 10
- Support came from churches where there is already a reasonable level of awareness.
- Low turnout amongst the Ghanaian congregation, although Rev Duah of Open Door Ministries did come with his assistant. He has now asked that I come to speak one of their services.
- Low turnout amongst the local population, although we had put leaflets through the doors on surrounding streets.
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- Trade Justice Tips to be sent to all new signatories, who will also be added to the database.
- Deliver petition signed at the event and also by members of congregations at other church meetings.
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