Sheep are grown for wool production right across Australia and the wool industry plays an important role in Australia's economy and society, particularly in rural communities. But for many urban Australians, including school children, knowledge of the wool industry is limited.

AWI is working to improve awareness of the wool industry amongst younger people through its Wool 4 Skool and Sam the Lamb projects.

WOOL 4 SKOOL

The Wool 4 Skool program, run by a subsidiary of AWI - The Woolmark Company - is a design competition aimed at students aged 14-16, which gives them opportunity to develop an understanding and appreciation of Australian wool.

Based on a new design theme each year, students are asked to submit design sketches of a modern and innovative outfit that reflects the Australian casual lifestyle, based on the fibre of the nation - wool.

The design of the winning student is made into garments and features in a fashion spread in Girlfriend magazine. A cash prize of $2500 is also awarded to the lucky winner.

The program is designed in line with the National Design and Technology school curriculum, making it available to interested schools right across Australia. All participating schools receive a fabric pack of wool textiles and technical information to understand innovations in the fibre.

A new competition will commence in 2012. Click here to get involved.

SAM THE LAMB

Sam the Lamb is a free online application - or “app” - which offers a simple and fun way to get young people around the world to understand the natural benefits of wool.

Based on an educational comic book developed many years ago by The Woolmark Company, the Sam the Lamb app uses new technology to bring the story of wool to life, particularly for kids aged up to seven years old.

For more information or to download the free app, click here.