Creative Stitches, founded in September 2023, blends art and activism, with every stitch telling a story of change. They are a diverse team of 5 students from 4 different countries: Crestabel Mataruse (Zimbabwe), Fathima Amna Yazir Ahmed (Sri Lanka), Kumba Manneh (Gambia), Fatima AB Sahabi (Nigeria), and Fatou Ninje (Gambia). United by a shared passion for creating a lasting impact, they work together to achieve their goal in the community and beyond.
Their journey into the world of social business started with a motivation to combine their academic pursuits with their shared desire to create a positive change in society. As they engaged in open discussions, they realised that they had common goals and aspirations. This shared vision became the foundation of a strong and supportive team dynamic.
They each play a crucial part in driving their vision forward. They continually enhance the quality of their materials and customer service by using the softest cotton milk yarn from different colours, ensuring that each product is beautiful, durable, and comfortable.
Their business is in line with the 4 Sustainable Development Goals below:
They at Albukhary International University noticed a big problem in the community. They observed people using non-biodegradable materials, single-use plastic bags, and excessive packaging, which led to trash overflowing and creating a mess. People seemed to always go for what was easy and cheap, even if it meant making more trash.
They also noticed insufficient alternative options and the difficulty of recycling. Ultimately, they saw that many people prioritised convenience over long-term environmental care. This inspired them to ask: How could they help make a difference?
Recognising the urgent need to address environmentally harmful waste, they launched a social initiative called "Creative Stitches." This innovative programme promotes sustainability and economic empowerment through the art of crochet.
With this initiative, they wanted to do more than reduce paper waste; they wanted to bring something positive and creative into people's lives. So, besides focusing on paper waste, they discovered the amazing world of crocheting. This created a new opportunity to provide handmade, thoughtful gifts and practical items while reducing waste.
Through workshops and educational programmes, they have shared their passion for crocheting, empowering individuals to learn new skills while contributing to a more sustainable way of living. Thus, Creative Stitches' social solution became a multifaceted approach that addressed the issue of paper waste and fostered creativity, community engagement, and economic empowerment through crocheting.
The impact of Creative Stitches on their community has been truly heartwarming. Through their short upskilling workshops, they have helped reduce waste and sparked a sense of creativity and connection among people. By learning the art of crocheting, individuals have discovered a new way to express themselves and create beautiful, handmade items.
This not only brings joy but also a sense of accomplishment. Moreover, embracing sustainability has inspired others to think more consciously about their consumption habits and environmental impact. More profoundly, Creative Stitches has fostered community and belonging, bringing people together around a shared passion for creativity and making a positive difference.
Seeing the smiles on people's faces and their stories of empowerment is genuinely the most rewarding part of their journey. Creative Stitches partnered with Gift Gallery Package to educate people on crocheting and the environmental impact of their shopping choices.
Testimony From One Of The Trained People
"Crocheting has played a significant role in my life, not only as a pastime but as a source of personal development and satisfaction. Much like the rhythmic interplay of hook and yarn. My journey of learning about crocheting has been an ongoing cycle of education, innovation, and self-exploration. The first time I held a crochet hook and yarn and was taught to transform a basic strand of yarn into patterns and designs, I found solace in doing it. The repetitive motions of crocheting offered a soothing balm to my mind amidst life's stresses, and crocheting became my sanctuary during tough times, providing a therapeutic escape. With every unfinished project, I became confident and learned to embrace imperfections, recognize them as opportunities, and push traditional patterns to modern ones. Both offline and online crocheting made me discover a supportive network of crochet enthusiasts."
(Nuri Afrinawati, AIU student from Indonesia)
In conclusion, the journey of Creative Stitches embodies the power of passion, collaboration, and social entrepreneurship to drive meaningful change. They exemplify the transformative potential of social entrepreneurship in addressing complex societal issues. From humble beginnings to impactful initiatives, they have witnessed the transformative potential of their collective efforts. Each team member has experienced personal growth and development and improved their skills and talents while contributing to a more significant cause.
As they reflect on their progress, they feel deep satisfaction knowing that their efforts have brought sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to light and empowered individuals within our community. There is a profound sense of satisfaction in knowing that their efforts in fostering creativity, building community connections, and promoting sustainable practices have had a meaningful impact. Sustainable living practices have made a difference worldwide. Moving forward, they remain committed to creating a brighter, more sustainable future for future generations.
