Knitting Together Supports AIDS Patients in South Africa

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By Ariel Tucker- Terrier Times Staff- VINTON, Va.

William Byrd High School students participate in a life changing activity called Knit-a-Square. 

Knit- a-Square is an activity that involves knitting 8-inch squares to send and make blankets for children with AIDS in South Africa. According to knit-a-square.com, there are 1.9 million orphans and many of them are AIDS orphans.

When this came to the attention of science teacher Caitlin Hartman she decided that WBHS students could help with this cause.

“I found out about it through my mom,” Hartman said. “I thought it would be good to do for Leo club and they loved the idea.”

Some of the students and faculty donate their time to knit squares for orphans in Southern Africa. Of course not everyone can knit, but there have been opportunities to learn at WBHS.

There have been knitting sessions after school and a new club called “Knit Wits” for people who want to learn how to knit and crochet so that anyone can participate in this charity event.

“I tried knitting when I was younger, but it didn’t work out for me,” said WBHS teacher Trisha Swortzel.

This is the first time that WBHS has participated in this event and it has been very successful so far.

“We have had about 20-30 students and teachers knit squares,” said Hartman

Not only does it affect the children in Africa positively, it affects WBHS positively as well.

“It feels good to know that a little square is going to make a difference,” said senior Ngakor Kamara.

Hartman is excited for this project and said that there is “love in every stitch.”

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