Blind student award shortlist Rhos-on-Sea

Jun 24 2010 by Richard Evans, North Wales Weekly News

A BLIND student has been shortlisted for an award after he went from selling the Big Issue to studying music at university.

Hennie de Wet, 29, from Rhos-on-Sea is waiting to see if he will win the VQ Learners’ Award at a ceremony in Cardiff this week after he overcame his disability to become a distinction student.

Originally from South Africa, Hennie enrolled at Coleg Llandrillo two years ago after selling the Big Issue on the streets for five years because there were no other jobs available to him due to his blindness.

He has used Braille and JAWS, a special speech programme, to complete his course with distinction.

Hennie’s ambition is to compose soundtracks for films and video games, combining classical and modern music, and he will now go on to study music at Bangor University.

Hennie is overjoyed that he has been shortlisted for the award.

“For me to go from selling the Big Issue on the street to being considered one of the best learners in Wales is, I think, a considerable achievement,” he said.

“I would not have been able to achieve what I have achieved without the assistance of my support worker at the college, Suzanne Kipps, and the encouragement of my wife Justyna.

“I’m overawed to be shortlisted for the VQ award, which has come as a complete surprise to me.”

The awards and VQ Day celebrate the successes and talents of vocational learners from a variety of backgrounds, including floristry, engineering, electronics, renewable energy, holistic therapy, health and fitness, performing arts, childcare, catering, carpentry, IT, and hair and beauty.

Sponsored by Edge, the awards are backed by CollegesWales and the Assembly to recognise the outstanding success of students.

Education minister Leighton Andrews paid tribute to the music student: “I congratulate Hennie on being shortlisted for a VQ award.

“It’s important that we recognise the achievements of students who gain vocational qualifications as we do those students who follow a more academic route.

“This is particularly relevant in the current economic climate.”

richard.evans