DUNDEE university has praised the work of Girlguiding Scotland as the Student Volunteer Organisation of the Year Award was announced.
The honour, organised by the University’s Careers Service, is an opportunity for students to give thanks to and showcase an organisation they volunteer for.
Girlguiding Scotland was nominated by second-year student Katie Tonks, who has been a part of the youth organisation since she was only five years old.
The Molecular Biology student first joined their Rainbows programme then progressed through Brownies, Guides and Rangers, before deciding to continue as a young leader.
“Girlguiding has given me so many opportunities,” said Katie.
“I was so happy when I found out my nomination had won as the organisation deserves the recognition and attention.
“I loved every step of being a part of guiding when I was younger, and now, as a volunteer leader, I get to pass on the skills I have learned to the next generation, which I think is an amazing thing to do.
“Many people think guiding runs on older values without realising how modern and empowering it is for young women and girls. The work they do is fantastic, and it completely relies on volunteers. They do so much and really deserve the recognition.”
Girlguiding Scotland is Scotland’s largest youth organisation dedicated completely to girls, with over 34,000 young members.
It aims to inspire girls through fun, friendship, challenge and adventure, all made possible thanks to a network of more than 9,000 volunteers who give up their time to empower girls and young women in their communities.
Elaine Rough, Scottish Chief Commissioner of Girlguiding Scotland, said, “We can’t thank our volunteers enough for everything they do to make Girlguiding Scotland a fun and inclusive place for all our girls.
“Our volunteers, like Katie, are at the very heart of guiding. Having Girlguiding Scotland recognised as a great place for students to volunteer for is such an honour and we are excited to showcase the fantastic work of our volunteers from unit to county and country level.”
19-year-old Katie volunteers within the Arbroath units of the organisation, travelling through on weekends and days when she gets a break from her studies at the School of Life Sciences.
Later this year she will travel to Africa, having been selected by Girlguiding UK to facilitate development and share skills with a World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts partner organisation.
“When I turned 18 I applied for Girlguiding Overseas Linked with Development (GOLD), which facilities a load of projects that run each year to assist guiding organisations worldwide.
“This summer, I’ll be heading off to Madagascar on a GOLD project that aims to facilitate development of a new young leadership qualification and a branch of guiding for members that are currently at university.
“Both of these aims will benefit young women and girls by growing their confidence, their understanding of leadership and allow them to develop skills for their future.
“It goes hand in hand with me currently being at university and being able to share my knowledge in that field. It’s also another great opportunity I’ve been given by being a part of guiding.”
Anyone interested in volunteering with Girlguiding Scotland can visit the Girlguiding Scotland website for more information.
