Finding Purpose Through Language: Essraa's Volunteering Journey at King's

A Master’s graduate in Regenerative Dentistry, Essraa discovered volunteering through the Associate of King’s College (AKC) programme. It was here that she was introduced to Qisetna, a creative initiative run by OutgrainArts CiC that works to preserve cultural memory and uplift Syrian voices through storytelling and the arts. Volunteering as an English-to-Arabic translator, the organisation’s mission immediately resonated with her.

Finding Purpose Through Language

Reflecting on why the opportunity resonated so strongly, Essraa explains:

For Essraa, volunteering was not about gaining experience for its own sake. It was about using skills she already had in a way that felt intentional, meaningful and grounded in her cultural and ethical commitments.

Carrying Stories with Care

Through her volunteering, Essraa supported Qisetna by translating personal stories shared by participants — not abstract narratives, but lived experiences entrusted to her with care. One moment in particular has stayed with her. While translating a deeply personal account, she became acutely aware of the responsibility involved in ensuring that someone’s voice, memories and identity were conveyed with accuracy and respect.

That experience reshaped how she viewed language itself. Translation, Essraa reflects, is not simply a technical skill, but a way of connecting people and communities across borders, allowing stories to travel beyond boundaries and reach wider audiences.

How Volunteering Shaped Essraa's Journey at King’s

During her master’s, Essraa volunteered consistently, completing more than 120 hours with Qisetna and earning an Exceptional Contribution digital credential in recognition of her commitment. Yet the impact of the experience extended far beyond the number of hours logged, shaping her confidence and sense of purpose.

Volunteering became a meaningful part of her life at King’s, offering balance alongside the intensity of postgraduate study. It strengthened her confidence, deepened her connection to community-led work, and reinforced her commitment to cultural advocacy.

Even after graduating, Essraa chose to continue volunteering with Qisetna. For her, the work did not feel like something to complete and move on from, but something worth sustaining.

Essraa’s story reflects the heart of King’s Volunteering. By creating opportunities for students to apply their skills in real-world contexts, volunteering enables learning to extend beyond the classroom and into the communities around us. It allows students to discover how their knowledge, languages and lived experiences can make a meaningful difference.

For Essraa, volunteering was not just part of her time at King’s — it became part of how she sees her place in the world.

About King’s Volunteering

King’s Volunteering connects students and staff with meaningful opportunities to support communities, develop skills and gain real-world experience alongside their studies. From one-off activities to long-term roles, volunteering enables learning to extend beyond the classroom and into the wider world.

Find out more and get involved

About the Associate of King’s College (AKC)

The Associate of King’s College (AKC) is King’s College London’s original award, dating back to its foundation in 1829 and reflecting its first motto, sancte et sapienter — “holiness and wisdom”. The programme offers an inclusive, research-led lecture series that runs alongside students’ main programme of study, encouraging open-minded reflection on ethical, philosophical, religious and cultural questions.

Students in their first year of the AKC can also choose the AKC Volunteering Pathway, which allows volunteering through King’s Volunteering to contribute towards the award, connecting academic learning with community engagement.

Find out more about the Associate of King’s College (AKC)