Meet Miss Elizabeth
Teaching, Guiding, and Making a Difference at Diamanta
On the grounds of Diamanta, Solid’s hand-knitting workshop, there’s a small but vital space: an after-school homework class run by Miss Elizabeth. It’s not a formal school, but for the children of our knitters, it’s a place to learn, get help, and feel supported. For over a decade, Miss Elizabeth has been a loyal part of our team, making a difference for families by giving kids the academic support they need to succeed.
From Knitter to Teacher
Miss Elizabeth joined Diamanta in 2014, originally as a knitter. With her 29 years of teaching experience, it didn’t take long for her role to expand. “I noticed the kids had plenty of homework but not always the support to finish it,” she says. “So I started helping them during the afternoons while I was knitting.”
What began as a simple idea became a core part of Diamanta’s mission. The after-school class, or the escuelita, is now a daily routine where kids work on their homework with Miss Elizabeth’s guidance. Each child gets her attention, whether they’re struggling with math or need help staying focused.
Helping Families Move Forward
“I help with all kinds of subjects,” Miss Elizabeth explains. “The kids are from different grades, so we adjust as needed.” But her work isn’t limited to academics. She’s become a trusted figure for many families. Mothers working long hours in the workshop know their kids are in good hands.
The job has its challenges. “Sometimes the kids come tired or overwhelmed,” she says. “But we take breaks, play a little, and then get back to work. The important thing is not giving up.” Over time, she’s seen kids improve their grades, gain confidence, and become more motivated in school.
What Keeps Her Going
When asked what she loves most about her job, Miss Elizabeth answers without hesitation: “Watching the kids grow and knowing I’ve contributed, even in a small way, to their success.” For her, it’s about more than homework—it’s about giving kids the chance to move forward and helping them develop discipline and curiosity.
And Diamanta’s supportive environment plays a role too. “This job helped me grow personally,” she reflects. “I’ve learned patience, tolerance, and how to guide kids not just academically, but emotionally. It’s something I carry with me even in my teaching at the local school.”
Looking Ahead
Miss Elizabeth has hopes for the future of the escuelita. “I’d like to see it grow to support even more kids as they get older,” she says. “Teenagers need guidance just as much as younger children. As Diamanta grows, I hope we can provide that.”
Her message to the Diamanta community is simple: “Keep supporting the mothers and children who rely on this place. What we’re doing here matters.”
For the families of Diamanta, Miss Elizabeth is more than a teacher—she’s someone they trust, someone who shows up, and someone who believes in giving kids the tools they need to create better opportunities for themselves. And that steady presence is what makes her story worth telling.
This article was made possible with the help of Alix Desmet, Roos Horrevorst, and Elise Van der Perre.
