The “Crochet for a Cause: Ridge to Reef” project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in its third year of iteration, is bringing awareness to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Hosted by Elaine’s Caribbean Crochet in partnership with BYBT, participants of the project came together to create replicas of the SDGs using the artform of crochet.
GEF SGP UNDP National Coordinator Dr. David Bynoe noted this new phase of the project supports the overarching goal of the SDGs to create a better, more sustainable, and more equitable future for all people. “Projects like ‘Crochet for a Cause’ bring the Sustainable Development Goals to life at the community level. They raise environmental awareness, create safe, empowering spaces where women can earn income, and build meaningful connections. This is directly in line with SDG 8 which is Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 13 which is Climate Action. Concomitantly, it promotes Life on Land SDG 15 and Life Below Water SDG 14.”
Founder of Elaines’s Caribbean Crochet Nikisha Toppin stated “We are grateful to have implemented the project in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Saint Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago. We have been able to impact more than two hundred and fifty lives with this project and have installed crocheted artwork at the Barbados Museum and Historical Society, and the Ministries of Culture, and Environment of the other countries. The SDGs will be an additional educational tool within our crochet exhibition.”
Project Participant Karen Roberts, who attended the Antigua and Barbuda and Saint Lucia iterations, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue contributing. “Being a part of Crochet for a Cause for the past three years has been an exceptional experience. Meeting women and girls around the Caribbean, helping them improve in their handicraft skills, and even for me, being challenged to use my skill in crochet to give to a greater cause is really rewarding.”
The Crochet for a Cause: Ridge to Reef is on display at Norman Centre, Broad Street, Bridgetown to enable the public to view the work of crochet artisans and learn about environmental protection. Elaine’s Caribbean Crochet, in partnership with BYBT, will continue the project through the organization of community activities including crochet classes and workshops, providing participants with the resources, skills, and tools for empowerment.
Launched in 1992 and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the GEF Small Grants Programme supports community-led initiatives that deliver global environmental benefits while promoting sustainable livelihoods. By providing technical and financial assistance to civil society organizations and local communities, the programme supports impactful grassroots projects in areas such as climate change, biodiversity, sustainable forest management, land degradation, international waters, and chemicals. Each project is designed to achieve environmental goals while advancing poverty reduction and community empowerment.
Leave a Reply