Stitching Together Communities Across Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique

In 2025, communities across Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique came together through creativity, learning, and environmental action under the Crochet for a Cause: Ridge to Reef Project. Funded by GEF SGP Grenada and implemented by Beauregard United, the initiative combined the art of crochet with environmental education to inspire communities to protect the islands’ natural ecosystems.

The project, which has also been successfully implemented in Barbados and other Caribbean islands, uses crochet as an engaging and accessible tool to spark conversations about environmental protection, coral reef conservation, and sustainable living.

Through a series of hands-on crochet workshops conducted from January to December 2025, participants of all ages and skill levels were introduced to the craft while learning about the important connection between land and sea. The “ridge to reef” concept highlights how everyday activities on land can directly affect marine ecosystems such as coral reefs.

Participants learned basic crochet techniques, including slip knots, chain stitches, and pattern reading. As their skills improved, they began creating eco-themed crochet pieces such as sea creatures, coral reef patterns, flowers, and other nature-inspired items. These creative pieces helped visually reinforce discussions about marine biodiversity and the importance of protecting fragile reef systems.

For many participants, the workshops were their first introduction to crocheting. Beginners spoke about the challenge of learning the initial stitches, but also the satisfaction of completing their first projects with the support of experienced crocheters and facilitators.

The project reached a diverse range of communities and groups across the country. Activities began at the Birch Grove Community Center in collaboration with Elaine’s Caribbean Crochet.

From there, the initiative expanded to several locations, including:

• Hillsborough Secondary School in Carriacou

• Participants from Petite Martinique

• The Grenada National Council for the Disabled

• A summer program at St. Patrick’s Anglican School

• Budge Grove evening community classes

• The Program for Adolescent Mothers (PAM)

In addition to crochet instruction, participants benefited from discussions led by experts, including representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, who shared insights about Grenada’s coral reefs, their ecological importance, and practical ways citizens can help protect them.

Beyond the environmental message, the project created a space for community connection, creativity, and personal empowerment. Women, youth, and children worked side-by-side, learning new skills while supporting one another throughout the process.

For some participants, crocheting rekindled a childhood skill, while for others it opened the door to a completely new hobby. Many described the activity as therapeutic and calming, providing a positive outlet for creativity.

As the Crochet for a Cause: Ridge to Reef Project concludes its 2025 cycle, the impact continues to grow. The next phase will focus on continuing small crochet classes with children in the community, ensuring that young people remain engaged in creative learning while deepening their understanding of environmental stewardship.

By combining art, education, and community participation, the project has shown that even simple crafts can become powerful tools for raising awareness and inspiring action to protect Grenada’s precious natural resources.

Watch the accompanying video above to see highlights from the workshops and hear directly from participants about their experiences in the Crochet for a Cause initiative.