By Zaynab Hussain (Student, Bsc Biomedical Science)

Volunteering at King’s College London has been a very rewarding and exciting experience! There have been so many different amazing opportunities to get involved in, ensuring I found a cause I am passionate about. You too can find opportunities that you are passionate about!

I started volunteering with the Sustainability team at King’s, in collaboration with Students Organising for Sustainability UK (SOS-UK). I received training and undertook mapping of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are a group of 17 interlinked global goals that are designed to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all set up by the United Nations in 2015 to be achieved by 2030. The goals can be broken down in five key elements which are people, planet, prosperity, peace, and partnership.  I mapped out several King’s modules against the SDGs and other sustainability factors to assess each module. This was a very rewarding and amazing experience in which I developed several skills such as auditing, independency, and decision-making. During the training, it was great to meet many like-minded individuals and come together with the aim of making King’s more sustainable.

My passion for sustainability meant that I was able to find opportunities that align with my values and interests. I also was able to play my part in the King’s community by undertaking this volunteering whilst also protecting our beautiful planet. I believe that Earth is a gift given to us and we as human beings have the responsibility of maintaining its beauty!

Volunteering for any cause that you are passionate about is always going to be rewarding but you might wonder how to fit this in around your schedule. Well, this sustainability opportunity worked around my schedule well as the training was conducted remotely via Microsoft Teams, meaning I was able to access it easily and conveniently. In addition to this, I was able to conduct the SDG mapping in my own time with a deadline given meant I could work on this volunteering at times that worked for me and at my own pace. This was great for me as the volunteering experience made me feel relaxed and at ease.

 At King’s, the Volunteering team, the Sustainability team, and SOS-UK were very helpful in offering their assistance wherever needed and made it clear that if I required any adjustments, I could just reach out and receive whatever assistance I needed. I believe that everyone has a right to volunteer for causes that they are passionate about no matter what their circumstances!

The King’s Volunteering team have been working hard amongst the staff and students to create inclusive opportunities for all. If you feel that you require any further assistance/adjustments, do not feel hesitant to reach out and you would be welcomed with open arms!

This volunteering experience has been an unforgettable one for me where I was able to network with staff and students, develop many skills and most importantly volunteer for a cause I am passionate about! Volunteering has endless benefits that boost your health in many ways such as your social health and wellbeing, and I would recommend it to everyone.

Have fun volunteering!

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Volunteer with King's Sustainability

Questions about volunteering? Schedule a one-one with Abi Micallef, Volunteering Partnerships Manager, to discuss your ideas and get advice.