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UEL students celebrated with Millennium Volunteer awards

Friday 29 June 2007

The altruistic efforts of two University of East London (UEL) students have been recognised with London Youth Millennium Volunteers 1000 Hours Plus awards.

John Bainbridge (20), of Stratford, and Bethany Summers (21), of Poplar, received their awards after spending over a thousand hours working as volunteers for Global Development Links (GDL), a student-run charity based at UEL’s Docklands Campus.

The pair, both studying on UEL’s BA (Hons) degree in International Development, are among only six young people in London to have officially achieved the thousand hours mark for volunteering.

John, GDL’s current Director, said: “Beth and I started volunteering for GDL in January 2006. We weren't looking to break any records; I’m just really interested in working for a charity, so getting involved with GDL seemed like a perfect opportunity to build up my skills and experience.

“Because GDL is managed entirely by students we’ve been able to have a direct influence on the way things are run. We’ve developed a strong understanding of how charities really work and it’s been great to see how our hard work has paid off both at home and abroad.”

Global Development Links works alongside regional NGOs and secondary school staff to improve rural education in developing nations. The charity was founded at UEL in 2004 and all of its projects are planned, researched and implemented by students on a voluntary basis.

Bethany, GDL’s Volunteer Co-ordinator, said: “Working for GDL has given me the opportunity to contribute to wonderful projects in Tanzania and Peru. I really enjoy volunteering abroad, but it’s also been great to get seriously involved in a management role at home in the UK.”

The Millenium Volunteers scheme was introduced by the Government in 2000 as a way of encouraging young people, aged 16-25, to take part in volunteer projects in their local area.

Donna Byrne, London Youth Millennium Volunteers Officer for Barking and Dagenham and Havering, said: “Thousands of young people across the UK have taken part in the scheme, but very few have proved as dedicated and talented as John and Beth.

“It’s been a pleasure to work with them and learn about the fantastic work they’ve been doing at Global Development Links. I’ve known about the charity since its launch, and I've been really pleased to see how quickly and effectively it’s developed under the leadership of UEL students.”

For further information about Global Development Links, visit www.gdl.org.uk or call 020 7223 7066. To find out more about the Millennium Volunteers scheme, contact Donna Byrne on 07736 619609 or donna.byrne@londonyouth.org.uk

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For details and pictures contact Patrick Wilson: 020 8223 2061 or 07951 797 975

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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