Knitting Mania, the BefriendER projects intergenerational knitting group started on Wednesday 25th May, and has now finished successfully.
Three volunteers were warmly welcomed at Cross Arthurlie Primary School for five weekly sessions, and were introduced to seven pupils. The pupils, with the guidance and support of our BefriendER tutors and teaching staff at Cross Arthurlie have completed a wonderful blanket and had a great time along the way.
Alan Stevenson, Project Worker at the BefriendER project said “As schools are being encouraged to respond to new curricular imperatives in Scotland through the Curriculum for Excellence initiative, it is reassuring that all parties have been very positive and helpful in the development of this project. Intergenerational practice aims to bring people from different generations together in purposeful, mutually beneficial activities which promote greater understanding and respect; and its FUN.”
Mr McLachlan, Headteacher at Cross Arthurlie Primary School said “ Not only did our pupils become skilled knitters, there was also the opportunity to meet and build relationships with members of the older generation. This project has been a very valuable addition to the work of the school and has been a good chance for the school to have a greater impact on the community. I hope we can sustain these links in the future.”
Now the blanket is complete the next step is to give the wider community the opportunity to see the great work carried out by the group and ensure it goes to a good home. Well, to achieve this The Scottish International Relief Charity Shop in Barrhead has kindly agreed to show the blanket in their window and the Betty Cunningham International Trust in Malawi will be giving the blanket to a school in Malawi and it is hoped that continued contact between both sets of pupils will develop and build relationships between these countries.