A project that educates children about wool will see its 25,000th student pass through its wool sheds this month.
Havelock North Primary School students learn about the benefits of wool at these container-turned-sheds run by Campaign for Wool NZ. Photo: Supplied via Campaign for Wool NZ / Kirsten Simcox
As part of the Wool in Schools programme, schools can request one of two 20-foot shipping containers that have been converted into wool sheds to visit, so primary students can learn about wool and how it is used.
The half-hour experience involves interactive stations where children learn about wool processes and the different uses and benefits of wool and can even have a go at weaving on a mini loom.
The programme is run by the Campaign for Wool NZ, which aims to raise awareness about the uses and benefits of wool.
Campaign for Wool NZ chair Tom O'Sullivan said it was a hit with the kids.
"It's just so amazing to watch their little faces, they're so excited about getting in there," he said.
"I'd probably say one of the real keys to it is the interactive part, we have lots of things in the container that kids can touch and feel and ask questions about.
"It does surprise me at times, the amount of kids, and particularly urban kids, who've probably lost the connection with farming and wool, but the delight on their faces and being able to touch the wool and smell it and look at it, they just love it."
The first of the two mobile wool sheds hit the road in 2015, but it proved so popular that a second container was added to the roster in 2018.
Havelock North Primary School students learn about the benefits of wool at these container-turned-sheds run by Campaign for Wool NZ. Photo: Supplied via Campaign for Wool NZ / Kirsten Simcox
O'Sullivan said it helped to educate kids about natural fibres, as opposed to synthetic plastics.
"Unfortunately, I feel the world has only really just woken up recently in the last few years to the horrific damage that plastic fibres have done to our planet and contribute to global warming.
"So if ever there was a time, and now it's more important than ever, that we reconnect young consumers and children and educate them about the benefits of using natural fibres, which are sustainable and biodegradable and are good for the planet."
Wool in Schools project manager Vicki Linstrom said one exhibit seemed to really stand out.
"The station that gets the most reaction from the students, and the adults for that matter, is the tennis ball exhibit," she said.
"Many people don't realise that wool is used to cover tennis balls and are delighted to learn that New Zealand wool is chosen for the tennis balls at Wimbledon, due to its 'crimp' factor which gives the balls the best bounce.
"It's fantastic to see young minds starting to think more broadly about wool as a truly versatile fibre, with far greater uses and benefits than just making their clothes."