When you live in a world where kids only think,"ME,ME,ME!", it is refreshing when you can gather a bunch of kids to create something that is completely for others. That is what our school knitting group has become. In return, our kids learn the joy of giving without expecting anything in return.
My students are a largely immigrant population where English is a second language, families are large and money is tight.
Our school is in an urban setting where the poverty level is higher than most. Because most of the parents work, it is less likely that kids will have play dates or gather after school because their parents want them home. The children also come from families that don't necessarily assimilate into the American culture. They hold fast to their customs and traditions. Clubs, especially those that combine different groups of kids, provide the integration that is lacking after school. The club also provides the kids a way to give to others in need. This club lets the children see how alike they are when united in a common cause.
My Project
With the 24 sets of needles and the dozens of bunches of yarn, we will be able to provide our youngsters with a way to give back. Even more, we are teaching them a skill that they can always use as a way to relieve stress, become a safe hobby and a way to create clothing for others, themselves and for gifts. These sessions also provide a place where kids can relax and talk. There is no separation of academic levels or sex within the group. All are on a level playing field and all can succeed. It is a skill they can use for the rest of their lives. You'd be surprised to find the amount of boys that ask to join. As long as we have needles and yarn we are in business!
Reading, writing and math are the essential core of our education program.
Clubs and serving others are left to the volunteers within the school. With the tightness of the budget these past few years, we have been relying on donations of others to fund our club, which we run for no compensation. We too are learning to give of ourselves! This project gives our students a sense of pride and accomplishment that may not be found otherwise. This project makes a student that will think of others!
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Camhi and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.