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Windwards Bananas has been working with a number of schools and educational institutions in promoting better understanding of food and farming issues among students and young people. We have also assisted teachers in the preparation of materials for the school curriculum.

Farming and Countryside Education (FACE) was set up by the Royal Agricultural Society of England and the National Farmers Union in order to help pupils "learn about the real business of farming and maintaining the countryside". Since then, FACE has broadened its membership to include over forty organisations with similar goals and objectives. Windwards Bananas became the first international member of FACE in June 2003.

In order to meet the demands from schools, where St. Lucia is studied as a QCA unit (7-9 age group) and to generate interest in the banana industry, FACE and Windward Bananas conducted a joint workshop at the Stoneleigh Park, in June 2003. This was to solicit the views of teachers on the additional learning materials needed to assist them in meeting the requirements of the school curriculum. From the workshop, a list of the available materials for Key Stage Two (7-9) on bananas and St. Lucia was compiled and a Powerpoint CD resource on Windward Islands bananas was produced.

Working in partnership is an objective shared by both FACE and Windwards Bananas. The two organisations therefore continue to explore ways and means of collaborating in educating young people on food and farming issues.

Teachers in Development Education (TIDE), along with World Farmers Network, provided support in the teacher's workshop organised by FACE and Windwards Bananas. In addition to materials, which came out of guidance given at the workshop, Windwards Bananas was featured in a recent publication on "Food and Farming-Local & Global". This booklet was launched at the TIDE centre in Birmingham, in March, 2004. Copies of this booklet are available from FACE and TIDE.

In the summer of 2005, a study tour of the Windward Islands for four teachers was organised by FACE and Windwards Bananas in association with the Geographical Association (www.geography.org.uk). As a result of the study tour, a new web-based resource, "Look Windwards" has been developed which looks at banana production in the context of the life and culture of the islands. Produced by geography teachers for geography teachers, "Look Windwards" consists of:

• Interesting and novel case studies;
• A resource box of photographs and other materials gathered first-hand during the visit, and
• Varied activities covering themes such as Fairtrade, sustainability and development