Hey! I’m Ria, and I am currently a student at King’s College London and an intern at The Kids Network. I work alongside the social media team, focusing on communication. I thought I’d answer a few questions for Volunteers Week (WOO!). So you can get some insight into the working behind The Kids Network.
How long have you been volunteering with The Kids Network?
I started in January 2021 doing a day a week. Now I am currently interning full-time for the remainder of May.
What’s it like volunteering at The Kids Network?
I was so nervous to start in this role, but I wish I would’ve just saved myself the stress. I think it was the idea of coming out of my comfort zone, but I’ve realised that’s where you grow best. I cannot put into words how kind and accommodating everyone has been. The whole team is a real credit to The Kids Network; the kindness and dedication to this organisation is really admirable. The entire team are so welcoming; it really does feel like a small family. My time here has been so insightful. I have learned so much already, especially regarding the actual process behind running a charity. I love volunteering for The Kids Network; I feel fulfilled at the end of the day like I am really making a difference.
Why The Kids Network?
There are so many reasons. I hope to pursue a career in improving social mobility, focusing on education, linked strongly to a child’s well-being. I love The Kids Network’s whole ethos, even more so after volunteering, as I can recognise first-hand the life-changing impacts of this organisation. These experiences will stay with the children for life. It is vital to support and show care, especially throughout some of the most important milestones. Mentoring gives assurance and relays the fact that so many people care so much for their futures.
Not only this, but the organisation tackles two contemporary issues at once. London can be a lonely place, with young adults having the highest rate of loneliness comparative to other age ranges. So I thought mentoring was such a lovely and wholesome concept. Human interaction and care are unparalleled for healthy development, and I love the idea of connecting for change.
What is the importance of volunteering?
Volunteering is so important in all aspects. For students, you gain experience and learn so many transferable skills. I’ve learnt skills that I will use for the rest of my career. Volunteering for me is a platform that I can use to put my words into practice and implement change. Vice versa, for employers, it shows dedication but also care. You are actively engaging with your community to try to implement the change you want to see. It gives your employer a sense of the things you are most passionate about, telling them a bit more about you as a person. Most importantly, I’ve met some of the most dedicated and inspirational people with similar mindsets and goals. I have made connections for life.
The Kids Network through an Intern’s eyes
Hey! I’m Ria, and I am currently a student at King’s College London and an intern at The Kids Network. I work alongside the social media team, focusing on communication. I thought I’d answer a few questions for Volunteers Week (WOO!). So you can get some insight into the working behind The Kids Network.
How long have you been volunteering with The Kids Network?
I started in January 2021 doing a day a week. Now I am currently interning full-time for the remainder of May.
What’s it like volunteering at The Kids Network?
I was so nervous to start in this role, but I wish I would’ve just saved myself the stress. I think it was the idea of coming out of my comfort zone, but I’ve realised that’s where you grow best. I cannot put into words how kind and accommodating everyone has been. The whole team is a real credit to The Kids Network; the kindness and dedication to this organisation is really admirable. The entire team are so welcoming; it really does feel like a small family. My time here has been so insightful. I have learned so much already, especially regarding the actual process behind running a charity. I love volunteering for The Kids Network; I feel fulfilled at the end of the day like I am really making a difference.
Why The Kids Network?
There are so many reasons. I hope to pursue a career in improving social mobility, focusing on education, linked strongly to a child’s well-being. I love The Kids Network’s whole ethos, even more so after volunteering, as I can recognise first-hand the life-changing impacts of this organisation. These experiences will stay with the children for life. It is vital to support and show care, especially throughout some of the most important milestones. Mentoring gives assurance and relays the fact that so many people care so much for their futures.
Not only this, but the organisation tackles two contemporary issues at once. London can be a lonely place, with young adults having the highest rate of loneliness comparative to other age ranges. So I thought mentoring was such a lovely and wholesome concept. Human interaction and care are unparalleled for healthy development, and I love the idea of connecting for change.
What is the importance of volunteering?
Volunteering is so important in all aspects. For students, you gain experience and learn so many transferable skills. I’ve learnt skills that I will use for the rest of my career. Volunteering for me is a platform that I can use to put my words into practice and implement change. Vice versa, for employers, it shows dedication but also care. You are actively engaging with your community to try to implement the change you want to see. It gives your employer a sense of the things you are most passionate about, telling them a bit more about you as a person. Most importantly, I’ve met some of the most dedicated and inspirational people with similar mindsets and goals. I have made connections for life.