Crafting for Change: Students Promote Food Security through International Service-Learning
It’s been just over a month since I wrapped up working on an International Service Learning Project on craftivism and food security in Konstanz, Germany, in collaboration with EUniWell - European University for Well-Being and Amnesty International Konstanz.
Starting in April, our European based team met online to learn about food insecurity and food waste, brainstorm ideas and plan a public project. Then in July we finally met in person for four days in Konstanz to bring it to life. Our team set up an interactive stall in the busy streets of Konstanz, where we shared key facts and data on food waste, based on research and surveys. We invited the public to reflect, learn, and get involved, whether it be by spinning our prize wheel, contributing to our crafted food chain, or answering some of the survey questions.
I was part of the team responsible for making crocheted food items as prizes, and had such a great time teaching others how to crochet (even if it was at 11 pm the day before the project), learning new crafts, and being able to see the connections that can growing through the crafting community.
This project reminded me that we often underestimate the power of crafts and ‘quiet’ forms of activism. They are far from being passive hobbies, they can open a space for empathy and dialogue, especially on global issues like food security.
A huge thank you to all the coordinators and staff who made this possible – especially Helen Hook for getting us to and from the UK and managing the logistics behind the scenes. And of course, to everyone I met and worked with during the project – it was an absolute pleasure, and I've come away inspired and grateful!
Further information
To find out more about future opportunities, please see: Service Learning
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