WATCH: Springs Girls’ High School spreads warmth through community crochet drive
Through their Nelson Mandela Blanket Drive, they’ve turned yarn into warmth for those in need, one square at a time.
Springs Girls’ High School is bringing warmth to the community through a crocheting initiative. Teachers, learners and community members gathered on Saturday to crochet blankets that will be donated to those in need through their Nelson Mandela Blanket Drive.
Attendees included past learners who took time from their day to spread kindness. One such alumna is Jill Harvey, a 1986 Springs Girls’ High School learner.
Jill said she feels proud to be part of the initiative.
“Being back at the school brings back old memories and it’s so lovely to see that they are doing initiatives like this. I am grateful for the opportunity to lend a helping hand,” she said.
This was the second time the initiative was open to the community. It all started when teachers Kiara Naidoo and Kaitlyn Wheller saw the need for a project for learners who were not as sporty as others.
“We wanted them to be involved in something connected to the school and, to our surprise, our first crochet meeting had about 60 learners who showed interest,” Wheller said.
“Through this project, the learners are educated on volunteer work in a practical way.”
Learners are tasked with crocheting squares, which are then combined and made into blankets. Since the project began last year, they have received over 1,000 squares.
@springsadvertiser During Springs Girls’ High School’s learner, this publication spoke to Tanatswa Mabonga about a blanket she crocheted. All the blankets that were made during the event will be donated to those in need. #fyp #springs #springsgirlshighschool #ekurhuleni #nelsonmandela #donation #crochet #goviral
“This initiative creates a good spirit. The school has been running a competition to see which class can make the most squares towards the project, and the learners get to engage with the community while learning a skill,” Naidoo said.
This publication spoke with some of the learners. Some said they learned crocheting from their parents, others taught themselves by watching YouTube videos, while some learned after joining the initiative.
One learner, Tanatswa Mabonga, made a blanket by herself. She said it took her three months to finish it. Past learners crocheted while reminiscing about the memories they made at the school.
The learners and community members engaged creatively through crocheting, enjoying refreshments and warm cups of coffee.
