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St Clare’s College students are continuing the legacy left by Meg Lillie (Year 12, 2016) by sewing dresses for the Little Dresses for Africa Foundation, in their lunch time. This year a number of students who participated in the project last year have decided to continue sewing dresses for this worthwhile cause. They are hoping to exceed 100 dresses which was the amount of dresses made in 2016.

The Little Dresses for Africa foundation was founded by Rachel O’Neill in 2008 after seeing firsthand how many people struggled with basic necessities in Africa. During her trip Rachel saw the needs of many, especially those of little girls and young women; and she resolved to help these girls by bringing dresses for them to wear.

In Africa many young girls are orphaned due to HIV and AIDS, and this makes them the most abducted and abused people in Africa. When a little girl is seen wearing the only dress that they own, which is torn and threadbare, they are more likely to be abducted and abused than if they were wearing a new dress; because a new dress shows that someone cares about them. The most important thing about this project is not the dress, but the seed of hope that is planted in the child’s heart, and the message that they are worthy.

Every Monday lunch time in the St Clare’s sewing rooms a group of approximately 15 girls from all year groups meet to make dresses out of donated material. The girls have varying skills in sewing and the experience is a great way for them to improve their skills and make new friends.

Visit www.littledressesforafrica.org or more information about the foundation.