KCLSU supports refugees with donation drop-off

Students and staff unite in response to the refugee crisis

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King’s College have organised a donation drop-off in response to the migrant crisis.

Horrific images on the news and startling figures have prompted action from societies and students of King’s College London alike.

In partnership with the organisation Convoy to Calais, KCLSU have organised the Donation Drop-Off for Calais Refugees @ KCLSU at Waterloo campus.

Nadine Almanasfi, the President of KCLSU, has found King’s students’ responses to be “overwhelming”.

She said: “I believe that as a students’ union, we should be helping not only our students but working together collectively to make change in society.”

Over 600 students have made an effort to support the movement so far, and even weeks before the official start date mountains of clothing and non-perishable goods have already been donated.

The convoy will travel from London to Calais in mid-October to bring supplies to struggling migrants.

Additionally, KCL administration has supported Nadine’s initiative, with the estates team providing storage boxes.

Other groups, such as the KCL Student Action for Refugees (KCL STAR), have been in action for over 10 years.  

With the London based charity Love to Learn, KCL STAR volunteer twice a week in Battersea “with children and young people from refugee backgrounds.” 

Holly, Rebecca and Liv from KCL STAR

The group not only supports children with homework and curricular activities, but also arts, crafts, sports and cooking.

Love to Learn cites these sessions as enabling “young people to access educational rights and opportunities (which gives them) the confidence and aspiration to fulfil their potential.”

New leaders of the KCL STAR committee, Holly (3rd year Philosophy), Rebecca (3rd year Philosophy), and Liv (3rd year PPL) have recruited over 50 new volunteers after only a few months of leadership.  

Additionally, the KCL STAR recently organised a screening of the video essay “No More Beyond”, which included a Q&A with the creator Matthias Kispert and had close to 100 attendees. 

Kispert answering questions about his video essay No More Beyond

According to a King’s College London spokesperson, these student run efforts are being “promoted to students and staff at the most senior level.”

In the future, KCLSU hope to start a long-term campaign to support refugees, a project Nadine says “the university have been on board with.”