Two recent sessions were held for FISU Student Ambassadors as 2023 winds down. These sessions helped launch two new programmes that will operate in 2024.
FISU Ambassadors gathered on 18 December for an inspiring session dedicated to empowering participants in volunteer management and celebrating International Volunteer Day, which was held back on 5 December.
FISU Executive Committee member, and the President of the Lebanese Federation of University Sport, Sami Garabedian provided a warm welcome and urged ambassadors to embrace their roles and collaborate with their federations.
Paulo Sivieri, FISU Sports Coordinator for FISU Championships, and Albina Rakhmatullina, FISU Student Ambassadors Programme Coordinator, unveiled the FISU International Volunteer Programme (IFVP) 2024, encouraging ambassadors to take part in the programme.
Michael Cmelik (SVK) shared his experience from the 2022 IFVP and highlighted the learning potential from international volunteer programmes, encouraging ambassadors to pursue such opportunities.
Anja Gelo (CRO), FISU Student Ambassador 2021-2022, and volunteer manager at the Croatian Academic Sports Federation, provided a guide on building effective volunteer programmes. She illuminated key steps for strong volunteer management including defining volunteering essence and an emphasis on volunteer recognition and appreciation.
Rose Wignall (GBR), FISU Student Ambassador 2022 and volunteer manager at Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Games, shared insights into volunteer team structure and operations. Establishing clear requirements, creating timelines, and outlining a comprehensive understanding of the process were highlighted.
FISU Director General Paulo Ferreira attended the meeting and wrapped the session with kind wishes. To further foster unity amongst the group, participants then shared Christmas greetings and their holiday movie and song recommendations.
The FISU Springboard Programme for 2024 also officially commenced this week as on 20 December the mentees involved in the programme met for the first time. The FISU Springboard Programme is a flagship program for FISU matching student leaders with mentors who will assist the mentee in their professional development over a period of time. The 2024 programme will see 20 student leaders from five continents matched with mentors from the FISU Family network.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the selected mentees to learn more about the programme, their role as a mentee, and how to prepare for meetings with their mentor. Participants were then able to get ready for the introductory meeting with their mentor and learn more about what they can expect.
“The meeting today was an opportunity for the mentees to meet other mentees and ask questions to assist them prepare for their part in the program,” outlined FISU Education Committee member Bill Thompson. He added, “Seeing student leaders from across the world embrace this program has been inspirational. The mentees are eager to learn from their mentor[s] as they strive to excel in their chosen career fields. The FISU Springboard Programme is a way for FISU to further develop student leaders from across the world as part of its dedication to education activities.”
Meetings between mentor and mentee will commence in January with the programme concluding in November 2024. For more information about the FISU Springboard programme contact [email protected].
IFVP content provided by Diana Barasa, FISU Student Ambassador 2023 for Kenya
FISU Springboard Programme content provided by Donna Spethman, FISU Education Committee member, Secretary General FISU Oceania