Story perspectives

Westlake Boys sewing club fills soft-tech gap for students

By Drooid · Sep 28, 2026, 12:07 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Westlake Boys secondary school runs a sewing club for fashion-interested students.
Teacher Ellie Basterfield says a shortage of technology teachers blocks a formal soft-tech subject.
Club machines were donated or bought secondhand from Westlake Girls and are shared by members.
Students report the club strengthens friendships while they learn sewing in a relaxed setting.
De Wit adds the club could propose a soft-tech subject if interest grows.

History

Historical Context

The 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, marked a federal infusion into U.S. K-12 schools, directing funds especially to districts serving low-income students. Title V of the act encouraged innovative curricula, including practical-skill courses, a trend that later inspired programs such as Westlake Boys Secondary School’s sewing club in New Zealand. The Senate passed the bill 73–18 on April 7 1965.

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Story summary

Westlake Boys secondary school runs a sewing club for fashion-interested students.
Teacher Ellie Basterfield says a shortage of technology teachers blocks a formal soft-tech subject.
Club machines were donated or bought secondhand from Westlake Girls and are shared by members.
Students report the club strengthens friendships while they learn sewing in a relaxed setting.
De Wit adds the club could propose a soft-tech subject if interest grows.

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