National award for Greenwich student
University of Greenwich student, Vipin Dhunnoo, has received national recognition for his work with local youngsters at the National Aimhigher Awards.
Architecture student, Vipin Dhunnoo, 21, who has now graduated from Greenwich was one of only three national winners in the ‘Aimhigher Associates’ category. He worked as a mentor at Bexley Business Academy, Eltham Hill and Blackfen Schools.
The Aimhigher Associates scheme creates long-term links between young people of school age and university students from a similar background, who can give them the benefit of their experience as they make important decisions about their future. Vipin is one of 1,265 students from across the country who took part.
Aspire Aimhigher Southeast London was one of 17 areas in England to pilot the scheme last year, and following its success, is now to be rolled out nationwide – the first time a programme of its kind will be delivered on a national scale. The £21 million scheme is part of the wider Aimhigher programme, which is aimed at students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
There were over 200 entries to the National Aimhigher Awards this year, which celebrates the most effective and innovative Aimhigher work being undertaken across the country, and the achievements of those that benefit from the programme.
The Rt Hon Pat McFadden, Minister for Business, Innovation and Skills, presented Vipin with his award at the ceremony, alongside education journalist and BBC news correspondent, Mike Baker.
Pat McFadden, Minister for Business, Innovation and Skills, says: “Aimhigher is a brilliant example of a programme that changes the lives of young people: it helps to give them the chance of a better future, and to realise their dreams and ambitions. I am pleased to be involved in the 2009 Awards, celebrating the hard work and dedication of those benefiting from Aimhigher and the staff who support them.
“It is heartwarming to read the stories of individuals who have won awards, some from very challenging circumstances. The Government is committed to pursuing social justice, which is why we have continued to expand the university system and explore ways to make it more accessible. I believe the future of higher education remains exceedingly bright for our young people.”
ENDS
For further information and photos please contact:
Nick Davison, Public Relations, University of Greenwich
020 8331 8092
Notes to Editors
A photo of Vipin Dhunnoo is available on request from the University of Greenwich Press Office.
About Aimhigher
Aimhigher is a national programme which aims to widen participation in higher education by raising the awareness, aspirations and attainment of young people from under-represented groups.
Jointly funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS), the Aimhigher programme operates nationally across 42 area partnerships throughout England.
For more information, visit www.aimhigher.ac.uk/sites/practitioner/programme_information
About Aimhigher Associates
Funding of £21 million over three years for Aimhigher Associates was announced in April 2008
The scheme aims to promote the progression of learners from state schools to the full range of HE provision on offer
Where possible, Associates will be undergraduates from state school backgrounds and all Associates will receive full training to support them in their role
Associates will provide support and encouragement to learners as they encounter the various transition milestones between Year 9 and Year 13
The initial pathfinder phase launched in September 2008 during which 21 Aimhigher partnerships are working together to produce an agreed training framework and standard for use from September 2009