Essex student in line for University Student Volunteer of the Year award

An Essex sociology student has been short-listed for a volunteering award in recognition of her sterling work for a charity working with children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Morvarid Majidavi has been volunteering for IntoUniversity since November, providing support to an 11 year-old girl from Clacton by helping her with her school work and inspiring her to think big, set goals and reach her potential.

She was introduced to the charity’s work while still at sixth form and jumped at the chance to become a mentor some years later. The first in her family to go university, Morvarid was keen to share her experience and says she has found the volunteering experience very rewarding.

“Being a mentor to a lovely 11 year-old has been very beneficial and enlightening because it has helped me realise the influence that I have on the younger generation and the importance of shaping and helping them grow into being the best that they can be. 

“It has allowed me to focus on something else other than my education, which is very refreshing. It has provided me with a lot of skills and experiences, and even made me realise I would potentially like to pursue a career in social work.

“I would definitely recommend other students join IntoUniversity because it is a way of giving back to the community and helping the younger generation,” she said.

IntoUniversity works with over 40,000 young people a year through 31 centres and projects across the UK.

“We provide a unique learning programme for our students which supports them to achieve their potential throughout their school journey.  However, none of this is possible without strong and long-term collaborations with our volunteers, schools, universities, community organisations, and corporate partners.

"Our Partnership Awards are an annual opportunity to recognise exceptional key supporters and thank them for all of their efforts and dedication,” said Rachel Carr, Chief Executive of IntoUniversity.

Morvarid works with the Clacton team, who nominated her for the University Student Volunteer of the Year award for being an excellent mentor who has “shown commitment to and enthusiasm for mentoring and has had a positive impact on her mentee.”

The winners will be announced at the end of June.