Rapprochement: Stitching Futures in Goma

When the Threads of Transformation program was first conceived, BBS and Ms. Saskia Lenaerts began exploring creative ways to repurpose materials while creating meaningful impact in communities.

The recent hotel linen pilot, under the Threads of Transformation umbrella, was another step in this journey. This pilot tested whether retired hotel sheets could be given a second life as school uniform shirts for children in Goma, DR Congo. What began as an idea ultimately resulted in 400 school shirts for local children.

From an idea to a practical solution

The idea emerged during a BBS discussion when Ms. Lenaerts proposed we test whether retired hotel linens could provide a practical source of fabric for school uniform shirts.  In Goma, fabric can be difficult to find and, when available, can cost more than US$20 per metre, putting it beyond the reach of many families.

With the support of Quality Inn & Suites in Lethbridge, Alberta, 40 king-size flat sheets that had been retired from guest room use were donated and shipped to RYC in Goma. In total, the sheets provided an estimated 306 square metres of material.

Over the next few months, volunteers worked alongside RYC's sewing program trainers to determine how best to use the material and produce as many shirts as possible while taking into account the linens imperfections. In the end the team focused on kindergarten and elementary school children and created 400 short-sleeved shirts with collars and button-down fronts secured with snaps.

A special back-to-school celebration

On September 20^th the months of work culminated in a special back-to-school event. Children received their new shirts along with backpacks donated by another RYC supporter.

As anywhere in the world, the start of a school year is an exciting time for children receiving new school items. It was no different in Goma. The back-to-school event became a celebration of the children and the dedication of the sewing volunteers who brought the project to life.

A promising result for people and the environment

The pilot demonstrated that retired hotel linens are indeed a viable source of material for making school shirts, and we will continue this project in the new year.

By repurposing linens that might otherwise have ended up in landfill, the project explored an alternative source of fabric while creating useful items for children. It also demonstrated how community collaboration and resourcefulness can turn surplus materials into something meaningful, with benefits for both communities and the environment.

We are deeply grateful to Quality Inn & Suites in Lethbridge for donating the linens and to Ms. Saskia Lenaerts for her support and belief in this pilot.

A special thank you to Saskia’s friends and supporters who donated through the Rapprochement: Stitching Futures in Goma GlobalGiving page during the event at Hope 93 Gallery in London. Your generosity helped turn an idea into 400 school shirts for children in Goma, while demonstrating the potential to give retired materials a second life.

We are grateful to have you alongside us on this journey.