For this week’s Volunteer Spotlight, KCLSU is happy to introduce you to the Ansar Youth Project! We hosted them in our KCLSU spaces this past November, and we were thrilled to get to know them and their mission. If you’re interested in learning more about the work of this youth organization, keep reading and find out how to get involved.
The Ansar Youth Project (AYP) aims to help young people in North-West London who come from underprivileged backgrounds. It aims to give them the possibility to work on their talents and multiple skill sets. If you’re curious about how this social inclusion project started, you can read about its history from Kumayl, who gives us a hilarious commentary on his experience in AYP, and how many benefits it generated for himself and others.
Volunteers in AYP can run informal learning activities according to what resonates with you the most: you can choose to contribute to sports, the arts, CV workshops and much more. It is also a wonderful social space, where you can meet many like-minded people and create something meaningful together.
But enough from us! To learn more about the lived experiences of people in AYP, we have asked Taejah, Riya and Claire, to tell us more about the event they held at KCLSU, and what it feels like to be part of this youth organization!
Can you tell us a little bit about your event?
On November 21st 2024, we had the pleasure of hosting The Ansar Youth project at our networking event on Strand Campus! This event hosted around 20 young students from disadvantaged and marginalised communities in Brent and nearby boroughs, as well as KCL students and industry professionals. It was a great opportunity for younger A-level students and KCL students to learn more about potential career paths, ask questions about university life, and develop networking skills.
How did funding help you run this event?
Without funding from KCLSU, this project would not have been possible! It allowed us to provide travel stipends for the youth, to provide food and refreshments, and to make the event more engaging and accessible to all.
Taejah, what would you say to other King’s students interested in volunteering?
Volunteering at King’s is more than just giving your time—it’s about discovering the power of connection and impact. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in causes you care about, step into someone else’s world, and leave it a little bit better than you found it. Whether you have a very hands-on role, or take a couple hours out of your day, you will grow in unexpected ways and find yourself learning skills and values from beyond your immediate network.
While it’s great for building resilience, empathy, and strengthening communities, it has much to do with what you gain! Friendships, experiences, and a renewed sense of purpose. What I love most about our society is the awareness brought to those who are underrepresented, and it is uplifting to become a voice for the voiceless.
Riya, how did you juggle volunteering and studies?
Balancing volunteering with studies can be challenging, especially in the busy third year. For me, it was important to prioritize and make time for an event like ours, as I believe in its value. In the days leading up to the event, I worked hard to clear my workload, ensuring I could fully focus on the event without distractions.
This break from the routine of revision was refreshing, and hosting the event left me feeling genuinely fulfilled. Knowing I had made a positive impact and contributed to the student’s experience was incredibly rewarding and a highlight of my week.
Claire, what impact has volunteering had on you?
When I first started volunteering, it gave me a sense of purpose, meaning, and connection outside of school. It reminded me that I was part of something greater than myself, connected me with other wonderful individuals, and served as a positive way for me to use my spare time while giving back to communities that supported and welcomed me.
As I have grown throughout the years, volunteering has also helped me learn about myself and my career interests. It has helped me develop transferrable skills I can use in my course, and in my part-time work, and will eventually use in my professional life. The impact of volunteering on my fulfilment, happiness, and dedication is immeasurable. I am so grateful to be in a place where I get the opportunity to do so!
A massive thanks to Taejah, Riya, Claire and everyone in AYP! It was wonderful to witness their dedication and passion for the cause, and we were all incredibly inspired by it. To start doing tangible work to help underrepresented communities, and make it fun, you can apply to become a Volunteer Youth Worker through this link. We hope you feel motivated to get involved in volunteering!