EKC Folkestone College students make a difference during Autumn Community Week

From spreading Christmas cheer to helping protect the local environment, students and staff at EKC Folkestone College have been putting their skills into action during Autumn Community Week.

Held twice a year, Community Week gives students the opportunity to take part in social action projects, work together and make a positive difference to the people and places around them.

Taking part in activities encourages students to take their learning beyond the classroom, applying the practical skills they are developing on their courses while building confidence, teamwork, problem-solving and planning skills. Most importantly, they provide an opportunity to initiate positive change within the local community.

Here’s a look at some of the ways our College community has been making a difference this autumn.

Beauty students spread Christmas cheer to local children

Our Level 2 and Level 3 Beauty students joined forces to support a local charity initiative, helping to provide 50 children with Christmas sacks filled with items they need.

Working alongside their lecturer, Sara-Lee, students, staff, clients and friends of the College each volunteered to support a child by collecting items from a list of specific needs. These included essential items such as coats and school bags, ensuring every child received a personalised sack. Million Dollar Facial, who work closely with the College’s Beauty department, also helped by donating skincare products.

Once all 50 sacks had been prepared, staff and students travelled by minibus to Ashford Designer Outlet, where they helped distribute the gifts as part of the charity’s wider Christmas initiative. 

Sara-Lee, Deputy Head of Professional Services, at EKC Folkestone College, said: 

“We were given the names of 50 children by a local charity that organises Christmas sacks. They provide us with a list of what each child needs, and students, clients, staff and friends of the College can each volunteer to support a child by collecting those items. 

“Last year, the charity supported 750 children in total, so it’s lovely that we’ve been able to contribute 50 fully stocked Christmas sacks this year.”

The project was a fantastic opportunity for students to come together, support a worthwhile local cause and see first-hand how small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference to families in the community. 

ESOL students help keep Folkestone’s coastline clean 

Our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students also took their learning outdoors, taking part in two local litter picks along Folkestone’s beautiful Leas. 

Working in separate groups, students headed out into the local area with litter-picking equipment borrowed from the council, helping to remove waste and keep the surrounding environment clean and welcoming. 

They were joined by ESOL Lecturer Tetiana and Industry Liaison Officer Bridget, as well as local councillors who came along to show their support for the initiative. 

As well as making a positive contribution to the local environment, the activity gave students the opportunity to work together, engage with their local community and put their English skills into practice. 

It was also a great way to encourage a sense of pride in the place they live and study, while demonstrating how everyone can play a part in looking after their local surroundings. 

Community Week is an important part of the student experience at EKC Folkestone College. By taking part in practical projects and supporting local causes, students can develop confidence in their abilities, strengthen their skills and gain valuable experiences that complement their studies.

Whether it’s helping a local family, supporting a charity or protecting the environment, every activity provides an opportunity to make a difference.

We’re incredibly proud of our students and staff for the enthusiasm, teamwork and kindness they’ve shown throughout this Autumn Community Week.

Could you be part of our College community?

At EKC Folkestone College, learning goes beyond the classroom. With opportunities to develop practical skills, build confidence and make a positive difference, there’s plenty to get involved in.

Explore our courses online or come along to one of our Open Days to discover what you could achieve with us.