°×С½ãÂÛ̳

Links:

uclunion.org/volunteers" target="_self">The °×С½ãÂÛ̳ VSU

Two community projects run by °×С½ãÂÛ̳ students have been recognised in the Higher Education Academy Volunteering Awards. Martin Godany from °×С½ãÂÛ̳ Genetics won a Student Volunteering Award, presented to student volunteers 'who have shown significant commitment to or exceptional execution of activities', and the °×С½ãÂÛ̳ Union's Debating Society won the Outstanding Project Award, which rewards 'volunteering teams for their overall achievements and contribution to volunteering in the community'.

Paul Ramsden, Chief Executive of the Higher Education Academy commented: "The awards highlight the energy and commitment of staff and students in the sector in responding to the needs of others. These are people who have many demands on their time, yet who have found still more to help others achieve.Ìý

"This work helps not only those who directly benefit, but also those who take part as volunteers, through new experiences and friendships, and through a renewed sense of achievement. I hope that the award winners act as an inspiration to others to get involved."

Martin won his individual award for setting up the °×С½ãÂÛ̳ Maths Challenge, a competition held at °×С½ãÂÛ̳ for pupils from four local primary schools, based upon competitions in his native Slovakia. Martin recruited and managed a team of volunteers to deliver a project that gave children a fun, creative way of engaging with mathematics.

"The moment when the speaker announced my name was thrilling," said Martin. "I am not really sure whether it was due to fear (of having to give a speech) or due to the pleasure - a mix of both, perhaps!"

The members of °×С½ãÂÛ̳ Union's Debating Society won the group award for their work with schools. The society organised visits to °×С½ãÂÛ̳, where school students learnt how to organise their own debates, as well as getting an insight into the °×С½ãÂÛ̳ student experience. Claudia Pichon said that "winning the award meant more than I can say; it acknowledged a lot of hard work and commitment from a host of volunteers that all too easily goes unnoticed."

Both projects were supported as part of the °×С½ãÂÛ̳ Volunteering Services Unit's Innovations Programme, a scheme which helps students set up and run their own community action projects. They also received support from Junction49, an initiative from charity Timebank, who work in partnership with the Volunteering Services Unit.

°×С½ãÂÛ̳ had the second highest number of winners, after Sheffield. Last year, the °×С½ãÂÛ̳ VSU - a collaboration between °×С½ãÂÛ̳ and °×С½ãÂÛ̳ Union - helped 700 students get involved in volunteering projects within London. To find out more about this story, please see the links at the top of this page.

Images
Top right: Claudia Pichon and Cormac Vanderhoven (°×С½ãÂÛ̳ Debating Society)
Above: Martin Godany (°×С½ãÂÛ̳ Genetics)