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Student volunteers praised for commitment to local community

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Student volunteers praised for commitment to local community

26 Jun 2006 11:43:22

SCE volunteer award winners

The role of student volunteers in the local community has been celebrated this week at a special awards ceremony at the University of Luton Student Union, where dozens gathered to hear inspiring stories about the impact such volunteers have made on the lives of local people.

The event coincided with the national Student Volunteering England (SVE) Gold Awards, which showcases outstanding student volunteers.

Ten students were presented with awards by Luton’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Les Ebdon. He said students don’t often get recognition for the work they do in the community. “It was very heart-warming to read about the dedication of each of these students in making a difference to Luton and the surrounding area.

SCE volunteer award winners

“Their positive achievements sometimes go unnoticed, but I’m delighted to present them with these awards and commend them for giving up so much of their time. These experiences will lift expectations and will help them further their careers after they graduate.”

Receiving SVE ‘Gold Awards’ on the evening were Donna Rush and Rachel Edwards, who mentor local school children; Princess Chifiero, who has volunteered at the Bedfordshire African Community Centre; and Dionne Jules who has worked tirelessly to promote Blackbright News – a magazine for the black community.

Also congratulating the winners was Andrea Thorogood, who heads the Student Community Exchange. She said: “Each of these students has made a massive contribution to Luton, whether as a mentor at a local school, or as a sports coach to local youngsters. Without them, there would be a huge void in the lives of so many.

“We have 282 students working over 70 projects. This shows that students are much more aware of their role in the community and of the importance of giving something back. Luton is their home for three years and they want to make a difference while they are here.”

SCE volunteer award winners

The University’s ‘Outstanding Achievement’ awards went to:

  • Binghui Zhang - for the work he has carried out at the Bedfordshire African Community Centre over the past two years, including book keeping and accountancy
  • John Oxley – now a graduate of the University but still working as a student volunteer in his spare time. John has run a mentoring project and a volunteer sports programme
  • Caroline Munoz – a Colombian student who worked on the ‘Safety Squad’ programme which promotes safety to school children
  • Dale Lockitt – a volunteer photographer for Blackbright News – a magazine for the black community
  • Seday Yegebriel – a volunteer with the Citizens Advice Bureau for the last three years, who has since qualified in giving advice on a range of issues such as immigration, employment, debt and family issues
  • Sharon Green – who has mentored children at two different schools while studying full-time, looking after her family and commuting from London

On the evening, each student volunteer received a certificate of commendation. The ceremony was followed by a reception where the Vice Chancellor spoke to the winners and other student volunteers taking part in the programme.

Details about student volunteering opportunities can be found by calling Andrea Thorogood on 01582 489173. To find out more about Student Volunteering England, visit www.studentvol.org.uk

Bedfordshire University

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