Students at Mary Immaculate High School in Cardiff/Wenvoe have been putting their textile skills to the test by making clothes for girls living in poverty around the world.
The year 10 students have been making dresses for girls between the ages of two and twelve living in areas of Africa and Syria.
They expect to make some 50 garments, which will be distributed during the summer holidays.
The project is part of the Dress a Girl Around The World campaign, in collaboration with the Hope4Women charity.
Dress a Girl Around The World is a not-for-profit organisation that believes each child living in poverty should receive a specially made garment instead of hand-me-downs.
Much of the fabric needed to make the dresses has been donated by teachers at Mary Immaculate. Fabric has also been purchased from Calico & Co and Butterfly Fabrics in Cardiff.
The garments have been made during textile lessons, as part of the school’s Enrichment Programme, which allows year 9 and 10 students to participate in a range of learning experiences that go beyond the traditional curriculum.
The programme aims to make students more well-rounded human beings by drawing on skills of collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.
Year 9 students have also been taking part, learning how to hand-sew and repair their own school blazers, encouraging an ethos of upcycling and sustainable thinking.
Past Enrichment Programme activities have included sign language, road cycling, and podcast creating.
Textile teacher Grace Harris, who leads the Textile Enrichment Programme said: “I’ve been so impressed with how responsive and engaged the students have been during the textile sessions. Enrichment exposes them to new experiences and opportunities they wouldn’t have had access to outside of the school, and they’ve been taking them all in their stride. It’s a testament to the holistic approach Mary Immaculate has to their wellbeing and future.
“I’m so proud of their creativity and all the hard work they’ve put into working with the charity. Many of the students have opted to continue the textile programme next term, which means lots more dresses for girls in need. We’re also planning on making shorts next term too!”
Students pick and complete a programme as part of Enrichment each term.
Year 10 student Sahara said: “I get excited when I see Enrichment on my timetable. I find it therapeutic and it’s nice knowing I’m helping people at the same time.”
Cadi in year 9 said: “I really like Enrichment. It does just that. It enriches my life with new and fun skills.”
