Student success at Volunteer of the Year Awards

17 May 2024

On Tuesday, 7 May, the University celebrated exceptional volunteering at the annual Volunteer of the Year Awards.

The awards celebrated the achievements of many individuals, groups and projects across the University. The winners covered a range of volunteering activities and demonstrated how our student community can make a valuable difference to our local and global communities

Among the winners was Yamin Thet, a BSc Management (Marketing) student from Alliance Manchester Business School, who was recognised in the Students Supporting the Wider Community award category.

Yamin’s work has notably made a difference to the student community in Myanmar. Yamin has co-founded an organisation called Start Smart. Based in Myanmar, the organisation provides access to education in a country where political unrest has shut many schools and universities. Working with other Myanmar students based across the globe, she has empowered young people still living in Myanmar through free and accessible education programmes aimed at career development and enhancing job prospects.

Yamin said: “Receiving the Volunteer of the Year Award is a profound honour and one of the proudest moments of my university life. It is immensely gratifying to be acknowledged in this way, and it reinforces my commitment to our community. I hope this recognition can inspire others to join in and make a difference.” 

Highly commended for the same award was Muhammad Irfan Bin Anuar, a student from the School of Social Sciences. Muhamad was chosen due to his volunteer work with Cancer Research’s charity shop in Didsbury, contributing to providing support for those with cancer.

Muhamad said: “Being recognised for my efforts in supporting the community is truly a humbling and inspiring experience. This acknowledgement enhances my passion and motivates me to continue seeking new volunteering opportunities in the future.”

Videos on the 2024 winners can be found on the Volunteer of the Year web page. We congratulate all those nominated and look forward to seeing how our students plan to make a difference ahead of next year's awards.