Hear back from Hammad Jabr about his educational project on working towards social justice in the fast fashion and textiles industry. Hammad was a recipient of the Centre for Community Engaged Learning’s Chapman and Innovation Grants in the 2022-23 school year.
Applications for CCEL Grants are open until Sunday, February 4, 2024 at 11:59 PM PT. Learn more about our grant funding here.
Could you please tell us what your project is about?
My project focuses on creating an informational educational resource on the fast fashion/textiles industry. It covers pertinent social justice elements such as labor conditions, textiles waste, and resource exploitation, with a particular emphasis on their disproportionate impact on historically marginalized communities. The goal is to create a large panel discussion on the prevalence of fast fashion in Vancouver, and to engage students towards cultivating a deeper understanding of this industry and how to address the issues it presents.
What motivated you to apply for a CCEL Grant?
After enrolling in a class with a focus on fast fashion, at UBC in my second year, I felt the urge to act and engage with the local community towards raising awareness about the issues presented, especially among student communities. This motivation led me to apply for a CCEL Grant in partnership with a Vancouver-based organization with the aim of creating an educational resource that would empower other students to navigate the global textiles industry with greater understanding, and cultivate a community committed to sustainable fashion practices.
Can you share how the experience working on your grant project has contributed to your personal development?
Being part of this grant project has significantly contributed to my personal development, particularly by strengthening my leadership skills. Leading a team of student volunteers has provided a valuable opportunity for me to create a positive and collaborative work environment through effective resource provisioning, clear communication, and by offering ongoing support. This hands-on leadership role has not only contributed to the continued success of the grant project, but has also played a crucial role in my personal learning journey.
What have you learned, or found interesting/surprising about your experience working on this project?
This project has taught me that staying committed is crucial towards the success of a project, especially when facing road-bumps or encountering unfamiliar situations. Accessing resources from CCEL, partner organizations, and the community, and being proactive in seeking help within the team, have been essential for me towards staying committed and ensuring project success.
What advice do you have for students thinking of applying for a CCEL Grant?
My advice for students considering a CCEL Grant application is to be authentic and passionate in your approach. Let your values, goals, and your personal connection to the challenge or social issue at large guide your project goals and ideas. This passion and authenticity will enhance your application and enable you to demonstrate a deep interest in the project, both during and after its completion.
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