A task force consisting of staff and students from Salford City College came together this week to kick off a volunteering campaign to do a variety of projects including litter picking, fundraising and engaging further within the local community. Following a number of public meetings with neighbours of the College, it was found that local residents wanted to see our students more within the community and see some of the great work that comes from what they do.
“What we would love to achieve with this volunteer project would be to change the perception that many have of young people, and to show that they really do have a compassion for the community,” explained Saf Arfan, Vice Principal for Development and Innovation. “We know how much they do and contribute, but this is not always known by those outside the College.”
One of the student volunteers, 16-year-old Brogan Carter, is no stranger to community work. The former Harrop Fold Specialist Arts College pupil said: “I joined the project because I like helping others. Last summer I did National Citizen Service, and as part of that I helped to fundraise for and create a play area in a local primary school.”
Classmate Sophie Leah, who is 16 and also a former Harrop Fold pupil, said: “I plan to study Midwifery after college, so the volunteer work I do for the local community will look great on my university application.”
The volunteer task force will meet at lunchtime on a regular basis to go out and collect litter from the streets around the College, as well as taking part in fundraising for our chosen charity, St Ann’s Hospice, and other key projects. At the end of the year, the students who take part will be presented with a special award of thanks at the prestigious Salford City College Student Awards.
“This project is a fantastic way for both the staff and students to give something back to the local community, and to thank them for their ongoing support for the College,” commented Salford City College’s CEO & Principal, John Spindler. “I’m looking forward to donning my pink high-vis along with my fellow volunteers!”
Photo: (left to right) Vice Principal Saf Arfan, students Brogan Carter, Lauren Kaye, Liz Couser, Tatiana Resende, Sophie Leah, Chloe Harte, Alysia Kavanagh and Principal John Spindler
