Project Dignity

Actively participating in meaningful activities with local, regional and global communities, is an integral part of a student’s education at Canadian International School. Through classroom investigations, community partnerships, and other service and leadership opportunities, our students develop a sense of empathy and learn the importance of giving back.

With this purpose in mind, our MYP design students recently participated in a project to design a set of stylish clothing protectors that elderly residents at St Luke’s Eldercare Centre would be happy to wear during mealtimes. Maintaining dignity and autonomy is something we often take for granted, but it can be a challenge for the elderly. Even something as simple as a clothing protector worn during mealtimes can represent a loss of dignity because it looks too “institutionalised”......

Students conducted research to understand clothing protectors across a range of markets, with a particular focus on those that were used in hotpot restaurants. They tested different fabrics to find options that were both water and stain-resistant. Many students had no prior experience working with textiles or using a sewing machine, so the project really pushed them to develop some new skills and understandings.

The collaboration was also a perfect opportunity for our design students to put the skills they’d acquired to practical use. They were encouraged to develop design thinking and to understand how to approach problems from a troubleshooting / exploratory perspective.

After the project was completed, students hosted an exhibition and invited Mr Edwin Lim from St Luke’s Eldercare Centre to view their creative solutions and provide his feedback. The response was really positive. St Luke’s residents mealtimes can now be a stylish affair for all to enjoy!