Raytown High Fashion and Textile students makes dresses to donate to Little Dress for Africa

Raytown High School’s Fashion Merchandising, Textiles, and Apparel Class turned pillowcases in to dresses to donate to the Little Dresses for Africa (LDFA) organization.

The activity was part of an introductory sewing skills unit and combined sewing skills development with literacy and community outreach initiatives.  Before constructing the dresses, student read an article about Rachel Alexander O’Neil and the history behind LDFA.

Teacher Harriet Haxton Halterman said, “It really brought a powerful message and a literacy activity to my students.  The message is that with the spread of AIDS, nearly a generation lost, there is a need to give others the opportunity to feel worthy.” 

The students also wrote messages to the little girls as a way of personalizing their gift.  The dresses have been shipped and are in transit to Africa.