Three Aberystwyth University students have won £150 to develop and coordinate their own volunteering event which aims to bring together the local community.
The competition, a collaboration between Ceredigion Association of Voluntary Organisations (CAVO), Aberystwyth University Careers Service and the Guild of Students, was held to encourage students to explore volunteering opportunities, develop enterprising behaviour and improve presentation skills.
Held for the first time, this half-day workshop required students to work in groups, devise a volunteering event and pitch their presentation in front of a panel of judges.
The winners were Emma Bradshaw, a second year History student, Ben Stevens and Kelly Jones, both second year Theatre, Film and Television students. Their idea is a games event involving children and the community, which will be held in Aberystwyth in the new academic year.
Carolyn Parry, Acting Deputy Director of the University’s Careers Service and responsible for employer engagement, explains, “This workshop has been designed to stress the importance of voluntary work due to the fierce competition in the job market and give students more self-confidence.
“This event was a great opportunity for them to gain group and presentation experience in a safe environment and get feedback direct from an experienced panel of people.”
Catherine Moyle, CAVO’s Youth Volunteering Adviser said, “Our aim is to promote the awareness of volunteering opportunities in the local area and open student’s eyes as to how volunteering can work for them.”
Cathy Beckham from the Aberystwyth University Guild of Students adds, “This event was a great success and working in partnership with CAVO and the careers department ensured that we provided students with a well-rounded programme designed to enhance their skills and employability.”
