Meet some volunteers

Ngozi, KCL Tenteleni Coordinator, 2005-6

Having spent 2 amazing months in sunny South Africa I was more than inspired to continue to play a role in the charity that sent me out there. Tenteleni, a student-based charity, 'assists in the provision of educational opportunities for children in sub-Saharan Africa'. In other words, Tenteleni sends university students during their summer vacation to a number of countries in Africa to volunteer as teaching assistants, raising HIV/AIDS awareness and teaching national curriculum subjects in township primary and secondary schools and orphanages. In addition to this, volunteers are immersed in the local community via their efforts to capacity build and set-up systems that will benefit both the children and the local people.

On return from South Africa I took up the role of Tenteleni university coordinator for King's College London. With the continuous help from Community Action, Tenteleni was sustained as a student-led project for the 2nd year. Despite being an external charity, KCL Tenteleni received access to College rooms to hold our weekly meetings, plus equipment and support from Community Action whenever required. As university co-ordinator I was responsible for the preparation, training and supervision of the fundraising of the 18 volunteers who would be going to Africa in summer 2006.

My experience of running a student-led project was extremely enjoyable primarily due to the massive assistance Community Action willingly offered to the project, making my role so much easier, and the satisfaction and fulfilment of being part of a charity that aids in the alleviation of educational poverty for African children.

Maria, Access to Art

I volunteer at Access to Art (A2A), a charity that enables older people to enjoy visits to museums and galleries across London. I volunteer once a month for 3 hours, and this is the maximum commitment - not much at all!

When I first began volunteering with A2A, I was incredibly nervous at the prospect of spending the afternoon with people two generations older than myself, with completely different views and perspectives on life. I shouldn't have worried, because when I arrived I was greeted by a group of great people with a collective interest in the arts, and an intense gratitude for my time and commitment to them as a volunteer. Once I'd finished my first volunteering experience, I was certainly inspired to do more for A2A, especially because the experience is so rewarding. Vounteering with A2A is never a chore, and I always come away feeling as though I have learnt a great deal from these charming, spirited individuals. It is a highly enjoyable, very touching experience, and the benefits are definitely abundant.

Alamin, Go London

I'm a 2nd year History student and was really interested in doing some volunteering whilst at King's College London but wasn't sure I'd have the ime. I spoke to KCLSU Volunteering and decided to try out the one-off events run by CSV Go London. Go London provide Saturday or Sunday mini challenges across London where volunteers might be creating a wildlife garden, painting a mural or improving a play area. I really enjoyed the flexibility and variety of the events and after I'd been to a few, I started training to be a Go! London Event Leader which meant I could develop more skills for my CV but still only volunteer when I had time. Volunteering doesn't have to be a huge commitment and is a great way of having a good time while doing something useful, both for the community and for yourself.

Richard, SHINE

SHINE is a student-led mentoring project, which supports 10-11 year old children in underprivileged areas of SE1. I started as a mentor in my first year at King's, working with a child one-on-one for one hour per week. Our mentors provide academic support, but are also (and we believe most importantly) there as a role model, helping to build self-confidence and aspirations. At the end of my first year, I took on the role of Project Leader, joining 3 others in the project management. This year, we have re-structured the management to cope with expansion, and I now take specific responsibility for Volunteer Development within the project.

Our aims are to increase participation in higher education, promote equal opportunities for all, and active community involvement. Last year, we expanded the project by working with a new school and providing them with a further 24 mentors. This year, we want to go even further, with a fourth and fifth school, one of which will be a Special Needs School. This will mean that within two years, we will have increased student participation in the project from 30 to 100, and consequently, 70 more children are each year being provided with a mentor who they can look up to.

Make the most of your time at university and get involved with as many things as you can. You really will be surprised how much you can learn from volunteering, as well as it being a fun and useful break from your studies. And lastly, SHINE is recruiting now for a September start!

Sonia, SHINE

Before coming to King's I did a lot of voluntary work in order to help me get in. I never once thought I would continue once I started. Then, when I was at the Fresher's fair a guy from Community Service Volunteers handed me a leaflet about being a mentor for pupils in North London primary schools. I got involved and absolutely loved it!! Unfortunately after a year that project had to end.

With the help of KCLSU, we were able to start a similar project at King's - the SHINE project. All of us that mentor with SHINE have seen first hand the effect that having a mentor has on young children. Often, children of inner city primary schools are without a positive role model and are not encouraged at home to consider the value of education. Mentors can help with this. In addition, personal circumstances may mean that when these children face problems they may not have the support in place that they really need.

For me, the best thing about volunteering and starting the SHINE project has been the chance for me to participate in something I am very passionate about and to see such a positive effect on all the children involved.

SHINE is now run across three schools and we are currently extending to two more - one of which will involve working with special needs children. We now provide one-to-one support for more than 60 children. Now SHINE is 2 years old, it is the largest voluntary project at King's and has recently been awarded the award for KCLSU's Volunteering Project of the Year!

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