SOS-UK is an education charity created by the student movement in 2019 in response to the climate emergency and ecological crisis. The training and mapping exercise were undertaken remotely throughout March. This was great as I was able to complete the mapping activity in my own time, which meant I could fit the volunteering around my schedule, accommodating my lifestyle and university timetable.
This voluntary opportunity also allowed me to develop many skills such as auditing, independence, decision making and collaboration. These skills are transferable and very useful in any sector. Lastly, I was able to get an insight into how sustainability is embedded in education at King’s and what improvements could be made. Above all, becoming an Education for Sustainable Development Auditor was a great way for me to play a key part in improving sustainability and giving back to the King’s community!
Taking part in the SDG’s mapping exercise has definitely changed the way I think about my lifestyle and education as it has made me more aware of my actions. I now have a good understanding of how modules at King’s integrate the SDGs and how improvements can be made to better integrate the SDGs into the curriculum.
The experience also allowed me to make connections and build my network as there were student auditors involved from many different King’s faculties and from different backgrounds. It was very inspiring seeing everyone’s enthusiasm and passion to volunteer and complete the SDG mapping. Saniya, a King’s student said that she found the mapping to be ‘a really enlightening experience; and that it allowed her to make ‘an important contribution to King’s’. I couldn’t agree more!
Throughout the process, the passion of everyone involved motivated me to be part of the team and complete the SDG mapping. It was also reassuring to know I had the support of SOS-UK, the King’s Sustainability team and the other auditors.