People around the world share a love of chocolate, one of the most delicious and pleasurable foods on earth. However, thousands of children in West Africa, especially Cote d'Ivoire, are forced to labor in the production of cocoa, the primary ingredient in chocolate. These child workers labor for long, punishing hours, using dangerous tools and facing frequent exposure to dangerous pesticides as they travel great distances in the grueling heat. Those who labor as slaves must also suffer frequent beatings and other cruel treatment.
WHO SHOULD ENTER: There are three age groups: 1) Third to Fifth Grade; 2) Sixth to Eighth Grade; 3) High School
ESSAYS:
The Question:
Third to Eighth Graders: Why should young people in the US be concerned about child labor in the chocolate industry and what should they do about it?
High School Students: Why is fair trade chocolate important to you?
Length: All essays must be a maximum of 550 words
PRIZES:
- First Prize: Essay published online; Fair trade chocolate
- Top 5 Runner-Ups: Fair trade chocolate bar
How your essays will be used: While the winning essay will be published publicly, all essays entered in the contest will be delivered to Nestle, Hersheys, Godiva, World's Finest Chocolate, Cadbury and M&M/Mars to let these companies know that the public wants fair trade chocolate!
ART:
The Theme: Submit your drawings to us based on the theme of child labor in the chocolate industry and what should be done about it.
THE PRIZES:
- First Prize: Essay published online; Fair trade chocolate
- Top 5 Runner-Ups: Fair trade chocolate bar
DEADLINE: April 2, 2007 (Winner announced on April 11, 2007)
HOW TO ENTER:
- Fill out the attached entry form.
- Send art by post mail only to the address below. Essays may be sent via e-mail, fax or post mail (e-mail is encouraged):
