P&P campaigner profile: Jake Anders
Every month People & Planet profiles an individual campaigner, in order for us to celebrate and highlight what P&Pers are doing. If you think one of your friends should be displayed on this page then then get in touch with us. This month's offering is...
Name: Jake Anders
Age: 16
School/University: Bishop Wordsworth’s School, Salisbury
What are you studying? AS in Maths, Economics, Spanish and Physics
Jake
What inspired you to start campaigning? I started working in Salisbury Oxfam Shop for Duke of Edinburgh’s Award just over 2 and a half years ago and have steadily become more involved in Fairtrade as the more I heard about it the more I thought something had to be done to help out!
Describe your most memorable P&P experience. Selling Fairtrade Roses at two schools! It was stressful as we had difficulties with the suppliers, but rewarding as there was loads of interest.
How did you first hear about P&P? I first got involved with P&P after a trade justice seminar at our school which was part of a Citizenship Day. I’d heard vaguely of P&P before, but the seminar really showed me how much we could achieve working through them.
What’s the best thing about being involved in a P&P group? The best thing about being in a P&P group is that there are people in it from all across our 6th Form. It’s great to see people working together, even if they don’t normally do so outside of P&P - it’s just because they all believe in changing the world!
With many commentators suggesting that apathy is rife amongst young people, what can be done to engage young people in the campaign for social justice? Young people want to be engaged, but often feel that they’re being patronised. If we are given responsibility then we usually live up to what is expected of us and more! I think the biggest reason for apathy amongst everyone in the UK is because commentators are suggesting that everyone is being apathetic and that creates a vicious circle. Instead, they should be encouraging people to get involved, and not suggest that it’s uncool to be involved. Make Poverty History showed that all sorts of people across the county and the world do care. I hope that something similar will continue now that it is over.
What do you think is the most pressing issue in the UK today? Sooner or later we’re going to have to do something about Climate Change, and I think it will be less painful if it is done sooner and through working together. It is more of a global thing that just a UK issue, but we have to do our bit.
What was the last album you listened to? The Libertines
Where would you most like to visit? I’d love to go to Africa and visit some of the people that have been helped by everyone who supports Fairtrade, as well as those who still need to be helped.
What are your ambitions for the future? I don’t have any very fixed ambitions for the future. The one thing I want to do is this: change the world, but without anyone knowing it was me (now that sounds cheesy when it’s not in my head…!).