Students stitch their way to helping poor

Students at Katanning Senior High School have done more than just complete an assignment — they will be helping girls living in poverty.

Sewing skills were put to the test as the group made washable feminine hygiene products for the Days for Girls charity.

The Year 11 and 12 students took part in the assessment as part of their Children Family and Community — Living Independently class.

Students made 25 kits that will be sent to impoverished countries.

Julie Brown, of Katanning Rotary, learnt about the concept at the Rotary International Conference in Sydney in June.

As a result, the club has covered the cost of fabric.

“I was just amazed how efficient the students were in terms of producing the kits and what they got out of it in terms of the skills they learnt,” she said.

“This is a cheap and easy thing that will help girls and women have more opportunity to get them out of poverty and to help themselves and their families.”

Student Sharna Garlick said the project helped students bond as a group.

“We were really pleased with how they turned out — we would alter the patterns too, such as adding a ribbon to the face washing towels, so the user can hang it somewhere,” she said.

“It’s great that we are supporting girls and women living in disadvantage.”