Posted: 13/06/16
Kindness and helpfulness applauded
More than 125 students at West Nottinghamshire College were thanked for their kindness and contributions last week at the annual volunteer awards ceremony.
Some of the students proudly showing off their volunteering certificates
On Thursday (9 June) individuals were recognised for contributing to over 5,000 hours’ worth of voluntary project work both at the college and out in the community.
Certificates of appreciation were given to those who had given up to 20 hours of volunteering over the past academic year, while those who had put over 20 hours in received a green award.
Silver awards were presented to individuals who had contributed over 50 hours and gold awards went to people who had given over 100 hours of volunteering.
At the event hosted by deputy principal for teaching and learning, Patricia Harman, students were thanked for their work which included organising fundraising activities at the college and working on enterprise projects. Some students have been involved in conservation work with Nottinghamshire County Council and also painting railings at a range of locations in conjunction with Mansfield District Council.
Students have also given up their free time and skills to raise money for Mansfield-based Hall Homeless Support Project as well as spending time at local youth centres and schools supporting with phonics, playtimes, lunchtimes and after school clubs.
Student experience officer Kara Smith said: “Celebrating the work of our student volunteers is always an extra-special event. We’re personally thanking students for the time they’ve given up and the ideas they’ve put forward outside of their busy schedules.
“It’s given us an insight into many entrepreneurial and humble characters that so many of our young people have developed and it’s been a pleasure to work with them in this capacity. Such characteristics are incredibly valuable and will go a long way in supporting them in later life and with securing excellent employment opportunities.
“I like to think that with over 5,000 hours of voluntary work, together we’ve helped to make a difference to many people’s lives both in and out of college.”
