Bournemouth and Poole College student Nonge Bikishoni has been named NCFE ‘Learner of the Year’, recognising his outstanding resilience, academic achievement and commitment to improving the lives of children with additional needs.
The prestigious national award made by NCFE, a national educational charity and one of the largest vocational awarding organisations in the UK, celebrates learners who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, personal development and achievement.
Nonge’s journey “demonstrates the transformative impact of education and the opportunities it can create for individuals to overcome adversity and realise their potential,” said Sara Brown, Senior Assessor in Science, Health and Care at Bournemouth and Poole College. After leaving school, Nonge explored a number of career paths, including roles in hospitality, construction and care, but he struggled to find a career that aligned with his ambitions and experienced periods of unemployment.
During this time, he was diagnosed with three mental health conditions, followed by an ADHD diagnosis in 2021, which provided answers to the challenges he had experienced throughout his education. Determined to build a new future, Nonge returned to education in 2024, nine years after leaving school, enrolling on the NCFE Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges at Bournemouth and Poole College.
Sara Brown said: “From the outset, Nonge distinguished himself as an exceptional learner. His commitment to his studies, academic curiosity and reflective approach consistently surpassed the programme’s expectations. He embraced every opportunity to develop his knowledge, applied theory confidently in practice and demonstrated a level of professionalism that made him a respected and valued member of his cohort. His empathy, maturity and willingness to support others created a positive and inclusive culture within the classroom.”
Alongside his academic success, Nonge contributed to the wider learning environment by sharing his own experiences of ADHD, helping to foster greater understanding of neurodiversity and supporting fellow students who faced their own challenges.
As part of his studies, Nonge began volunteering at a primary school in Bournemouth, discovering a passion for supporting children and helping them overcome barriers to learning. He volunteers four full days each week, far exceeding the placement requirements of his qualification. His contribution has been particularly valued within the school’s Rainbow Room, a specialist provision supporting Year 3 pupils with complex trauma, global developmental delay and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), where he has earned widespread praise for his calm, compassionate and intuitive approach.
Nonge said: “I was apprehensive about coming back into education because of my experiences at school. I enrolled on the Level 2 Support Work in Schools and Colleges and quite quickly settled into it. The course helped give me a different view on education and encouraged me to start volunteering at a primary school and continue my studies with the Certificate course.”
Added Sara Brown: “Nonge’s achievement is a testament to the life-changing impact of education and the importance of providing opportunities for learners to overcome barriers, build confidence and fulfil their potential. His story embodies Bournemouth and Poole College’s commitment to empowering students to succeed; while demonstrating the positive difference dedicated and compassionate professionals can make to the lives of young people.”
