Easter volunteers wanted
Following the great success of the Christmas in Leeds programme, the International Student Office is looking for staff volunteers to help support Easter events.
Students on a walk to Otley Chevin in December with the Get Out, Get Active team
In collaboration with a range of internal and external partners, the International Student Office arranged the Christmas in Leeds programme for students and their families. The programme included events outside of term time, providing opportunities for those staying in Leeds over the winter break to meet others, experience Christmas traditions, and find out about help and support.
Students enjoyed a variety of events on campus, including a Christmas meal hosted by Great Food at Leeds with entertainment from the University’s Staff Choir. They were encouraged to engage with the local community, creating Chinese themed Christmas decorations at the local Rainbow Junk-tion community café in a workshop hosted by the Business Confucius Institute.
Students explored Otley Chevin, walking through snowy Yorkshire countryside led by students from the Get Out, Get Active team. Around 30 students also went to watch Leeds United vs Hull City at Elland Road on a trip led by Global Community student ambassadors and staff volunteers, and there were other trips to a pantomime, a Christmas film at Hyde Park Picture House hosted by the Plus Programme, and socials on campus and in the city.
Both UK and international students and their families participated in the events, and many commented on how much they appreciated the programme:
Since I don't celebrate Christmas at home, I love attending Christmas themed events because it makes me more aware of the different traditions people have and it makes me feel included, especially since I'm away from home, during a holiday that is so family oriented.
[The Christmas meal at the Rainbow Junk-tion Café] was a great way to spend Christmas day, all of the other volunteers were very supportive and I had some great chats to people.
The Christmas volunteering was amazing, everybody was in high spirits and supported each other, Christmas would have been very lonely otherwise!
[The walk to Otley Chevin] was my first ever experience of walking in snow, and was exhilarating!
Katy Gregg, Project Officer in the International Student Office, says; “It was a pleasure to work with colleagues from across the University to put together such a varied programme of activities. I was touched by the generosity of our partners and their enthusiasm for supporting those students staying in Leeds over the break. It reflected the true spirit of Christmas.”
Students
enjoy a delicious lunch hosted by the Great Food at Leeds team at the
Traditional Christmas Meal event
Easter activities programme
This Easter, the International Student Office are collaborating with Get Out Get Active, Great Food at Leeds, and colleagues at Oxfam, and the Rainbow Junk-tion Café to host a range of events including volunteer taster sessions, cultural food demonstrations, a football and rugby match, a countryside walk and a meal at the Rainbow Junk-tion Café.
They are currently looking for staff volunteers to support these events to take place, providing a meet up point and facilitating interaction between students who are meeting one another for the first time.
Would you be interested in getting involved? Please contact Katy Gregg for more information and to register your interest.
Read more about the Easter activities programme.
For further updates, follow the Global Community Facebook and Twitter pages.
Posted in: University news