On Tuesday, 7 May, we celebrated some truly remarkable volunteers at the Volunteer of the Year Awards, held in Whitworth Hall.
From making a difference in communities halfway across the globe to driving sustainability initiatives right here on campus, the winners and nominees of the 2024 awards blew us away with their dedication, leadership, and innovative spirit. It’s moments like these that remind us why Manchester students are so special!
Let’s meet some of the incredible individuals and groups who were awarded:
Student (Supporting the Community) Winner: Yamin Thet
Yamin Thet is a BSc (Hons) Management (Marketing) student from Alliance Manchester Business School, and she’s a real force for good. She is a co-founder of Start Smart, a non-profit social enterprise that supports young people in Myanmar through free careers-focussed programmes, so far impacting over 7,000 students. Her most recent event “New Year New Me,” reached over 3,000 participants and focussed on personal growth and well-being.
But Yamin’s influence doesn’t stop there. She also mentors students with dreams of studying abroad, helping to break down barriers, and inspiring countless individuals along the way. Yamin’s dedication to education and community development makes her a true inspiration, both at home and abroad.
Group Winner: The Chilean Society
Talk about making a difference! The Chilean Society rallied together to ensure Chileans in Northern England and Scotland could easily access voting during a crucial referendum. By advocating for and helping set up a new polling station right here in Manchester, they made sure hundreds of voices were heard, strengthening democratic participation in the process.
Their commitment to fostering connections and promoting civic engagement is truly commendable. The society’s efforts not only provided practical solutions but also reminded us all of the importance of standing up for democratic values and principles.
Student (Supporting Students) Winner: Jennifer Foster
Jennifer Foster, an MSci Zoology student from the School of Biological Sciences, is all about sustainability and student engagement. Her project, Want Not Waste (WnW), has been a game-changer, from securing funding for a sustainability hub to organising fantastic events like clothing sample sales across campus.
Under Jennifer’s leadership, WnW has become a hub of eco-friendly activities, like the new ‘Library of Things,’ which gives students the tools and skills to upcycle and mend belongings, rather than throwing them out. Her dedication to creating meaningful volunteering opportunities and building a more sustainable community is truly inspiring.
In conclusion, the winners and nominees of the 2024 Volunteer of the Year Awards embody everything we stand for as a University – social responsibility and community engagement. Their passion, dedication, and impact remind us of the incredible things we can achieve when we come together for a common cause.
Congratulations to all the winners and nominees – you make us proud!
Find out more about Volunteering opportunities at UoM: