BY Cirrus Farber
Orleans Elementary School
Project Description
I would like to start Sewing for a Purpose so that students can learn how to use sewing machines, can feel a sense of accomplishment, and can feel empowered to help the world with their work! In the afterschool club, Sewing for a Purpose, students will sew projects that are needed in today’s world. Though sometimes a taboo topic, students will be sewing reusable feminine hygiene products for worldwide distribution since many girls do not attend school because they do not have access to these products. In addition to these products, students will research other simple sewing projects that people need in our world and sew for a purpose!
How will the project be evaluated (e.g. how will you gauge its success)?
Though not a graded project, I will be able to evaluate the success of the club by assessing if students can thread their own sewing machine, wind their own bobbins, cut their own fabric, and sew a project on their own. Additionally, I will be able to assess if students can help each other with the machines.
Benefit to the students and the school
Teaching students that their actions can make a real difference in the life of a child is extremely empowering for a student, and I hope to inspire students to take action in our world. So many kids are “watching their lives away” on screens, and I want to inspire them to put their screens down and really do something important! Additionally, the school will benefit from the purchase of the sewing machines that can then be used for art projects, drama costumes, and other enrichment courses.
Timeline of Project (when will you do the project, if applicable)
This project would start in the spring, and finished projects would be distributed to the nonprofit organizations (Days for Girls) at the end of the school year. After the initial investment for the machines, this club could be ongoing and students could act as teachers so that the project could expand and possibly be an intergenerational activity with parents and senior volunteers.