Words: Henry Yanney

As individuals, we all wish to change the world in one way or another. With the small amount of time, money or space that we have, our aim is to do all that we possibly can to ensure the good works we do are remembered and will impact the lives of many. But for those who are still unsure as to how they aim to help the world (which is a large majority of us), one scheme occurring this weekend will enable do-gooders the chance to hone their goodwill skills and give a little back to society. 

{mosgoogle right} Student Volunteering Week will commence from Monday 26th February where around the country, universities and colleges will host several volunteering projects which will highlight some of the works of current volunteers as well as encouraging others to partake in working freely for their community. Scheduled for the big event are guest speakers, open days and fun activities which will bring to the forefront all the hard work which volunteers are doing for the country. 

The event will be launched at the Design Museum in London where guest speakers from colleges, voluntary sectors and corporate industries will start the proceedings for the week ahead. The five day event is run by Volunteering England and aims to celebrate the good works of many student volunteers as well as to entice other students to consider taking up volunteering. Student Volunteer Week will provide an opportunity for students to help their local communities with issues which may be of concern to them as well as allowing students to get their hands dirty in some of the busiest and most respectful industries today. 

Student Volunteering Week first ran in 2001 in conjunction with the year being crowned International Year of Volunteers. Due to the overall success of the event, Student Volunteering Week has now become a staple in the academic and voluntary calendar, with the event occurring every year now. Some of the highlights of this year’s campaign include YouthProof, an event which gives 16 to 25 year olds the chance to have their own volunteer campaigns analysed and critiqued by some of the top international charities in the world. Later on in the week, volunteers can put their skills into practice as both students and staff from the KPMG Careers Service will spend the day helping out in primary schools in both Hackney and Leeds. Volunteers will be helping school children with their reading, model making and other tasks throughout the day, making it a fun and educational day for both the children and helpers.