One New London school has started an unusual new after school program that is keeping kids involved while also teaching them valuable life lessons.
Sewing Superstars got its start last November when faculty at Bennie Dover Middle School wanted to give students the opportunity to learn a unique skill.
Lisa Conant, one of the co-founders of the program says, "It's life skills. It's important to learn the stuff you learn during school but if you had you know a rip in your shirt or you need to hem pants, you know save yourself some money by being able to do it by yourself."
Sixth grader Muledride Belony uses the skills she’s learned to fix her own clothing.
"Yesterday I sewed like two ripped clothes and they came out fine," she says.
Almost all of the materials are donated by faculty and community members, but in order to fully accommodate the growing size of the club, they have reached out beyond New London for funding and have seen an incredible response by creating a crowdfunding page.
Alyson Dougerty, a middle school math teacher and the creator of the Donors Choice page says, "Having more machines gives us more access to more students as well as giving just so many more opportunities that doesn't necessarily fit in school budgets"
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Sewing Superstars meets every Thursday right after school, and it is something students look forward to every week.
Right now there is a waiting list for the program, but the more materials they can receive, the more students they can accommodate for Sewing Superstars.
