A tight-knit community

Knitting Club is a Tuesday lunchtime activity organized by Ms Ducie, Ms Rowlands, Ms Marshall, Ms Ryan and Ms Liu, open for enrolment in the third term via ESF Gateway. The primary goal of the club is to knit squares for orphans or impoverished children living in informal settlements. The knit-a-square project is run by the grassroots charity KasCare, who are also supported in other aspects by our school. This academic year, students have knit around 240 squares that will eventually be sent to South Africa.

The activity is now in it’s fourth year, and Sha Tin College has sent approximately a thousand squares to South Africa as a contribution to KasCare. Those participating in the activity do appreciate the charity, mentioning that the proceeds go directly to the needy, and no money is wasted through bureaucratic processes. Schools and individuals from around the world all donate small sums of money to make a real difference in children’s lives.

Photo: Natasha Siu 12X2

Other than knitted squares, the club has also been making soft toys, cushions and hats. A group of Y12 students have taken this opportunity to turn the activity into their CAS project, holding a variety of fundraising activities and projects, including a stall at the school fair. Lisa Cooley from 12X2, a member of the project, explains: “We have lots of activities yet to come… we’ll definitely be running another 24 hour Knit-a-thon next year!”

Having fun knitting!  Photo: Activity organisers

“Knitting is such a social, community-based activity,” said Ms Ducie. “It’s calming, it’s creative and it reduces stress levels. I know it’s such a rewarding experience. Knitting should be a community activity, not just the friendships at school, but community with all the people who contribute squares from around the world. What we’re doing is particularly important because it’s getting to winter in Africa.”

Ms Marshall added: “It’s something that you can learn at your own pace, and an activity that isn’t limited to school, you can do it anywhere. One thing I love about the activity is how inclusive it is. We have students from years 7 to 13, abilities ranging from beginners to very skilled knitters, and there’s no limit to the number of students we have – the maximum we’ve had is around 170 students.”

All students are welcome to join the Knitting club during second break on Tuesdays in Ms Ducie’s room, 154. The activity details are all on ESF Gateway when activity sign-ups begin.

Kelly Yu 12X2