Aiding
Independence
Designing
Sustainability
I am currently approaching the end of my time studying BA (Hons) Textile Crafts at Huddersfield University. I have embarked upon a rather ambitious, but very worthwhile final project.
As we know, HIV/Aids is a virus which has a devastating impact on the lives of millions of people around the world; I have designed my final project with the aim of helping them. For the purpose of my project, I had to narrow the spectrum and focus on one particular country. I chose Malawi, largely due to the country’s prominent links formed with Driffield School during my time there as a student.
My aim is to use my textile skills to design, teach and implement ideas which can be used by Malawians who suffer from the illness, to provide a source of income and assist them to maintain a sense of independence. When in the latter stages of the virus, it becomes very difficult to continue day-to-day routines such as employment, which makes it very difficult to continue to provide for the patient’s family.
My desire is to be able to teach specific techniques to Malawians which they can use themselves as well as passing on to others, in order to continue earning an income by selling the products which they have made – particularly, with my assistance, to the UK Market.
Having contacted a number of charities, many of which believe my idea possesses strong credentials, they have advised me that the most efficient way of developing my plans is to travel to Malawi. I have chosen to go and work with Mulanje Mission Hospital in the Mulanje District (southern region of Malawi), in order to work directly with patients.
I believe that this project really can make a difference and it is something that I fully intend to continue with once my Textile Degree is complete. My ambition is for the project to become self-sustainable, whereby people will learn from each other and pass their knowledge on to others. Malawi is my starting point, but I firmly believe that this model, with potential minor adaptations, can be used in many other countries around the world.
Melissa Martinson 