With the prevention of the spreading of the Covid-19 virus on everyone’s lips, the North-West University’s (NWU’s) subject group Textile Sciences came up with an innovative idea for their practical work.

These students are all making masks from different materials at home to distribute them to workers in their vicinity who are involved in essential services.

Louise Wyma, lecturer at the School of Physiology, Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, says that the students work with what they have available. Some of them have sewing machines, but others only have a needle and some thread.

“We sent them clear guidelines about the type of material, its density, and the requirements for a good mask.

“Every student has to make five masks and document the whole process. Family members may also help as it is a production line.

“The assignment is submitted electronically and photos of the masks are included.”

She says that quite a number of the students have already distributed their masks and some of the reactions of the community were shared with fellow students during the virtual practical class.

Lize van Rensburg said that she had made 22 masks that she donated to Brighton Boerdery near Lindley for the full-time workers who are still doing essential work on the farm.

Lize Janse van Rensburg displays the masks that she made for her practical assignment. The masks were donated to a farm.

 Some of the masks that were made and distributed to the community’s essential workers.