Freshers’ Fayre is a hit!

EKC Folkestone College Students’ Union have kickstarted the year with the annual Freshers’ Fayre.

Hosted every September, this event gives our new cohort of students the chance to talk to local companies and find out what opportunities are available to them, both at College and within the community. Stalls lined the room as students roamed freely, enjoying the free Dominos pizza, soup and activities. 

Organised by Darren Beale, Student Experience Officer, the Freshers’ Fayre is the first of many events the Students’ Union will be hosting this year. Darren commented: “I’m excited to get started this year. It’s been great meeting all of the new students so far and hearing what they’d like to see offered at College. 

It’s been great to get so many local organisations involved in today’s event. I’m hoping to work with them all more closely throughout the year.”

Some of the companies in attendance included Leas Cliffe Hall, Metro Charity, East Kent Sexual Health, Rising Sun, and Sports Connect, who had the opportunity to tell students more about their services and exclusive officers. 

The Samphire Project, a Dover-based charity whose mission is to create a society which is inclusive and passionate towards migrants, proved popular amongst students, with many starting up conversations about Asylum Seekers and Refugees. It was fantastic for our young people to build more awareness and understanding of this topic. 

Students also spoke with Kent Fire and Rescue, the Navy and Giles and Neil, two community wardens from KCC who’s “Beer Goggles” challenge went down a treat. Students were tasked with steering a remote control car through cones whilst wearing vision obscuring glasses, a challenge that created a lot of laughs and competitiveness amongst everyone.  

Giles said: “We find these kind of activities are the most effective ways of talking to young people. They get to have fun, but we’re also starting up dialogue about serious issues like drink driving.  

It’s lovely being involved in student events. We get to speak directly with the young people and become familiar faces. It makes us more approachable so when they see us around the local area they know who we are. Ultimately, young people often just want someone to talk to, and we can be there for that.” 

During the event we also caught up with Dylan, this years’ Students’ Union President. When talking to us about his plans and vision for the year ahead he said: “My main focus is to improve student communication and awareness around campus. The College offers so many great things, but often our students aren’t aware.  

Events like the Freshers’ Fayre give us the perfect opportunity to do this. Students have the opportunity to talk to people and ask questions. It’s been great seeing so many of them engaging with the stalls today.” 

We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who gave up their time to come and celebrate the start of a new academic year with us today. 

It’s not too late to join the fun!

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