News
Soldier named Foundation Degree Student of the Year
Released: 21st May 2010
fdf-sponsored category formed part of the National Adult Learners Week Awards
Soldier Herbert Goredema has been named fdf-sponsored Foundation Degree Student of the Year.
The category forms part of the National Adult Learners' Week Awards in London and Corporal Goredema was recognised for dedication to his studies while serving in the armed forces.
Corp Goredema was the lowest-ranking soldier on the Foundation degree course but ended up the highest achiever. The 34-year-old beat officers in the Army, RAF and Navy when studying hospitality and food service management.
The self-confessed technophobe is stationed in Kenya and studied using Westminster Kingsway College's virtual learning environment.
"The Foundation degree course at Westminster Kingsway College was advertised in a CPD Newsletter so I applied and I was lucky enough to be accepted," he explained. "I wanted to study something that was in my chosen field. When I first started the course, it took a lot of self control as the demands on your time are very great.
"I am really pleased that I was able to stay with the course and am nearing my goals. Without the encouragement, help and support from my lecturers, I wouldn't have been able to manage the course. My enquiries by telephone, email and messenger were promptly responded to by my tutors. I also got lots of support from my fellow learners who have been absolutely brilliant."
He only had 30 minutes of internet access a day, so Herbert had permission to sit a two-hour finance exam online - only to have the system crash halfway through.
Herbert was praised by Clare Mannall, his nominator and college team leader, for using his IT skills in challenging circumstances.
"Undeterred, Herbie came back the next day and completed the exam and got excellent marks too,” she said. "He beat all his colleagues in terms of grades and showed them you can study full-time and work full-time without getting behind."
Corp Goredema is now used by the Army to encourage other junior ranks to sign up for degree studies. He now hopes to do a Masters Degree.
He was presented with the Foundation Degree Forward Award by Susan Hayday, fdf’s Director of Workplace Learning Strategy, at a ceremony at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in Westminster, London.
- Further information on Adult Learners Week and other award winners can be found at www.alw.org.uk
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