Kanazawa School for Special Needs Education

Kanazawa School for Special Needs Education is a special needs school for students with physical disabilities and intellectual disabilities. Kanazawa School for Special Needs Education consists of three schools, primary school, junior high school ,and high school. Its high school has been offering a “vocational” class as part of its career development education since 2020. In the class, the students work on new projects to connect the school with the local community.

One of the efforts is the production of handbags made from discarded copy paper wrappers from the school’s printing room. The bags’ handles are made from scraps from the production of socks at the socks manufacturer. They are all different sizes or coloring, and each is a one-of-a-kind handmade product.

There are six major work processes in total, from opening the wrapping paper to knitting the handles. Each process is divided into separate jobs, taking advantage of each student’s ability and sensitivity. By creating the opportunity that students can develop their individual strengths, such as dexterity in detailed work, concentration on complex processes, and sensitivity to color and pattern selection, the class can expand the range of their future dreams and career choices.

In collaboration with local products, the products are exhibited at local marches and events across the city.

1.Handmade bags that give new value to waste

Copy paper wrappers are a waste product unique to schools in Japan. They had been thrown away without anyone’s attention, but one of the teachers came up with an idea to make use of the texture of the paper wrappers for the handmade bags. After trying a variety of materials for the handbags handles, the teacher decided to use scraps of socks that were no longer needed at the socks manufacturer.

2.Making use of material properties: Durability, elasticity, and design

The handmade bags utilize the durability of copy paper wrappers and the elasticity of sock scraps. Even if the bag itself is slightly wrinkled, the unique texture of the paper gives it a vintage look. The handles are also stretchable, so they can carry slightly heavier items. Depending on the product, the recycled mark printed on the copy paper may be used as a pattern, reflecting the characteristics of upcycled bags in the design.

3.Finding a role in the local and sustainable community

As part of career development education, this project aims to create an opportunity for each student to find their own career that would contribute to society while making the most of their strengths. The project also develops skills that are needed today to build a sustainable society, such as contributing to waste reduction and experiencing recycling and up-cycling.