VOLUNTEERING AT CHAUCER COLLEGE

The successful volunteering programme fosters links between Chaucer College and the surrounding community and gives the students an invaluable opportunity to practise their English in a practical and realistic context. The students are actively involved in events and projects which enable them to observe and be a part of a British community, thus reinforcing the practical elements of learning – being able to express oneself and talk to British people.

April 2010 - February 2011

Volunteering has had a very successful year. Since last April the students have been involved in supporting a wide range of local activities:

2010 - 2011 Events

December 13th - Volunteering Awards 2010

Chaucer College students attended a Volunteer Award Evening at Darwin College, organised by the University of Kent and Kent Union. The students received Kent Student Certificate in Volunteering awards for their substantial contribution to the community since April 2010. A total of 6,610 volunteering hours were logged. 23 students received Gold awards, 41 received Silver Awards and 19 received Standard awards. After the ceremony , there was musical entertainment and a buffet.

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6th November - KMFM firework display at Mount Ephraim

Students acted as marshals at this annual Bonfire Night event.

16th October - Canterbury Festival

As they do every year, Chaucer College students performed the traditional ‘Fisherman’s Dance’ in the city centre as part of the celebrations to mark the beginning of the annual Canterbury Festival.

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25th September - The East Kent Hand Bell Rally

The Bell Ringing group took part in the East Kent Hand Bell Rally.

13th September - The ‘Aspire’ swimming challenge

Over the next 12 weeks, each student taking part will attempt to complete 22 miles of swimming, the equivalent of swimming the Channel, to raise money for Aspire, the charity for people suffering from spinal cord injuries.

11th September - Will Adams Festival

Since 2000, there has been a festival in Gillingham each September to celebrate the culture and traditions of Japan through displays and workshops. Will Adams was a 16th century navigator, born in Gillingham, who lived in Japan and set up the first trading link between Japan and Britain. Chaucer College students took part with displays of manga, calligraphy, origami and dance.

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4th and 5th September 2010 Faversham Hop Festival

The Faversham Hop Festival is an annual two-day, free, family event held on the 1st weekend in September which commemorates the olden days of hop-picking when families would come to Kent and pass the evenings with music and stories. Chaucer College students took part as marshals.

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24th July 2010 - Whitstable Oyster Festival

This is an annual week of community celebration of Whitstable past and present. Chaucer College students performed the Fisherman’s Dance, showing the tough daily struggle of Japanese fishermen against the sea, on Tankerton Slopes on Saturday afternoon.

18th July 2010 - Margate Bay Race for Life

Students supported the Cancer Research charity by acting as race marshals.

15th July 2010 - Chatham Grammar School for Boys International Day

Chaucer College students demonstrated origami, Japanese calligraphy and manga at the International Day. This school hosted a recent visit by our Teacher Education students.

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10th July - Pilgrims Hospice Summer Fete

At this daytime event, students set up stalls, sold raffle tickets and cakes and helped to clear up afterwards.

4th July - Herne Bay Race for Life

Students supported the Cancer Research charity by acting as race marshals.

3rd July - Kent School Games

These took place at venues around Kent, where our students acted as general event assistants.

3rd July - Seeds for Africa Garden Party

Chaucer College students support this charity by doing administrative tasks on a weekly basis and helping at the annual Garden Party by selling tickets and helping on the refreshment stalls.

June 27th on Kent University campus - Race for Life – 5km.

Cancer Research is a charity which raises money through a wide range of activities. Chaucer College students support their work by acting as road marshals at the sponsored Race for Life 10 km and 5 km races, which are held locally three times a year.

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20th June 2010 - Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre Fun day

Many Chaucer College students spend their homestay in Whitstable so were pleased to support this event by acting as road marshals, taking down stalls and clearing up.

22nd May 2010 - Bysing Woods Childrens Centre ‘Dads and their Lads’ Fun day

This was an event for grandfathers, fathers, sons and male carers. Our students supported the event by taking part in face painting, games of football and helping with the barbecue.

23th May 2010 - The Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury Half Marathon

This annual race raises money to support the Pilgrims Hospices in East Kent charity. The students helped by acting as race marshals.

April 25th 2010 - The Wellchild London Marathon

This is an internationally renowned race which is held annually. This year its aim was to raise money for sick children. Twelve Chaucer College students attended the marathon and helped by giving support at the finish line.

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