Crochet Club – Crafting for a Cause

Crochet Club is more than just a creative outlet – it’s a way for Stella students to make a real difference in the lives of mothers and newborns in Timor-Leste.

The club meets weekly to crochet blankets and booties, which are donated to families in rural communities. In these areas, poverty, difficult terrain and limited access to healthcare mean that many women give birth in challenging circumstances, often without proper medical support. Infant mortality remains high, with 35.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, and in 2023 the maternal mortality ratio was 192 deaths per 100,000 live births.

Something as simple as a warm blanket can be life-changing. It helps keep a newborn warm and safe in those vital first days and offers mothers comfort and reassurance that their baby is cared for.

Crochet Club began as a Duke of Ed initiative at Stella, partnering with a hospital in Timor-Leste. Since then, students have not only learned a new skill and enjoyed spending time with friends, but also contributed to a project with genuine impact. The group has just completed its first set of blankets, which are now on their way to Timor-Leste, and members are already working on the next batch.

The club is open to all students – no experience needed. It’s also a great way to contribute towards Duke of Ed hours while being part of something meaningful. Crochet Club meets every Tuesday in G104, and new members are warmly welcome.

Together, we can craft with purpose and bring warmth, comfort and hope to families in need.

Ivy D and Carys P