Student Janine is UU’s top volunteer

The final-year economics student from Gleno was presented with her award at a glittering ceremony on the Magee Campus by Jane Gribbin, regional manager at Volunteer Now.

Janine was nominated for her charity work with African Impact, who support children and wildlife projects across Africa. Last summer, she travelled to South Africa, where she worked on a game reserve monitoring and protecting local wildlife, including endangered rhinos and elephants. During her time in Africa, Janine volunteered at a local school and provided impoverished children with desks and chairs for their class rooms.

But it has been Janine’s efforts on campus that earned her the Volunteer of the Year Award; as she has dedicated time to raising awareness and making a difference through her African Impact stall during Student Volunteer Week and writing an article for the student magazine, Ufouria.

Janine also volunteers her time as an elected member of the Jordanstown Campus Council, where she debates student issues and gives students a voice.

Janine said: “I was so pleased to find out I had been nominated for this award and I was surprised to have won as the other nominees in my category were really good.

“The award ceremony was a brilliant experience, except when I was asked to say a few words, but it’s a night I’ll never forget.”