Published: 15 March 2021
Three University of Sunderland in London students have won £100 in the LovEnterprise challenge.
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s activity took a different approach to the usual event which focuses on entrepreneurship at the University.
Instead, the organisers wanted to celebrate people who helped their community through creative activities.
Sukvindar Kaur, BA (Hons) Business Management and Entrepreneurship (Top-Up), Laila Begum, BA (Hons) Health and Social Care (Top-Up) and Vaibhav Shekhar, MBA won the challenge as part of the initiative launched for Valentine’s Day last month.
Taking a different approach to the previous years’ challenges, each student sent in a 200-word essay on their projects along with pictures showcasing what they’ve been up to.
Sukvindar wanted to spread joy amongst her friends who have struggled with the impact the COVID-19 lockdown has had one their lives.
She took up canvas painting, spending up to 18 hours working on each sitcom-themed artwork which she then gifted to her friends for free.
“I wanted the people around me to not only have something dedicated to them but to be able to look at what I’d created and be reminded of good times while looking forward to better ones in the future.” - Sukvindar Kaur, BA (Hons) Business Management and Entrepreneurship (Top-Up).
Laila has spent the pandemic working for the NHS as an Active Response Volunteer.
She’s used her time to talk with elderly patients who have been experiencing mental health issues caused by isolation.
“I wanted to do my bit for the community. Even before COVID, some of the patients never had visitors, so talking with them has a major impact on their wellbeing. It’s been a massive eye-opener for me.” - Laila Begum, BA (Hons) Health and Social Care (Top-Up).
Vaibhav wanted to use his experience and knowledge to help others on their career paths.
He’s been working with college and university students in his local community, helping them write their CVs, cover letters and job applications.
One such student he's particularly proud of went from not hearing back from any employers to getting an offer of an apprenticeship thanks to Vaibhav’s guidance.
"I am so grateful for the recognition, I was really surprised and pleased. I will continue to support college and university students in developing their careers. I am glad my efforts for my community were acknowledged. I would like to continue developing my skills and supporting people in any way I can."- Vabihav Shekhar, MBA
“We’re really proud of all the students who submitted their project for LovEnterprise.” Muhammad Azam, Lecturer in Postgraduate Business and organiser of the competition said. “It’s fantastic to see the care, dedication and compassion we have at the University.”
You can find out about other projects our students have done to help people impacted by the coronavirus in our Life at the University pages.
Helped your community over lockdown? We’d love to hear your stories. Share them with the University of Sunderland in London community on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn using #WeAreSunLon.