Green Gown Awards 2019 - Zulfi Ali, Canterbury Christ Church University - Winner

The significance of my work lies in the fact that CCCU is a widening participation University in the South East of England and for various reasons, until three years ago there was little precedence of strong student engagement in the life of the University outside formal learning activities.  

Three years on, evidence suggests that CCCU is a different place today. Through activities directly carried out by Project 93, those generated because Project 93 acted as a catalyst, as well as through the ripple effects of a change in environment at the University, the landscape of the range and depth of participation at CCCU has changed in a positive direction.  

Awareness of environmental and social justice issues is much higher, and sustainability related issues are starting to get embedded in the culture of the University. 

Top 3 learnings:

• Creating cultures and traditions requires time and works best when people feel inspired and ready to join.  
• Develop a strong working relationship with the Students’ Union, based on mutual respect and equal partnership. 
• Recognise that sustainability, social justice and human rights are part of the same conversation.