Schoolkids to learn the wonders of wool

• Published date: 11 August 2022
• Publication title: Southland Express

The Wool Shed is a converted shipping container which travels the South Island visiting schools, with a second container travelling the North Island, and sharing knowledge about wool to inspire pupils to use the natural fibre in the future

Wool in Schools is a programme set up by Campaign for Wool, a global initiative spearheaded by HRH The Prince of Wales to raise awareness of the uses and benefits of wool.

The first Wool Shed was opened at Tawa Intermediate in 2015 by His Royal Highness and interest from schools snowballed from there, with the South Island container opening in 2018.

Campaign for Wool NZ chairman Tom O’Sullivan says being able to educate 25,000 New Zealand school pupils has been a real privilege.

“We’re so pleased with the response to the Wool Shed project,” he says.

“It’s a fantastic milestone to have reached 25,000 pupils – my own two daughters have been through the Wool Shed themselves, and still talk about it at home. But we still have a long way to go and would like every school student in New Zealand to have the opportunity to experience the Wool Shed and learn about wool in this way.”

The Wool Shed experience takes about 30 minutes. Children pass through a series of interactive stations where they learn about wool processes, and the different uses and benefits of wool, in fun and engaging ways. There is even a mini loom in the container so they can have a go at weaving.

Wool in Schools’ project manager Vicki Linstrom says one exhibit...