Business Award for volunteer tackling world poverty

A dedicated volunteer from University of Chester has won The Business Connectionís Most Enterprising Student Award for her voluntary work. Johanna Fadipe ran the Chester area of ëPeople and Planetí, a national student network dedicated to fighting world poverty and campaigning for human rights and the environment. Johanna, who has notched up more than 800 voluntary hours, is a second year International Development Studies with French undergraduate at the Parkgate Road campus.

Johanna, 20, was delighted to win the prestigious Award, which has been sponsored by Lower Bridge Streetís The Business Connection for almost a decade. The Award was presented at a valedictory service at St. Thomasí Church on Parkgate Road, Chester. Johanna, who hails from Chalfont St. Peter in Buckinghamshire, is also a childrenís worker at Vicar's Cross United Reformed Church. She plans to take a year out in Africa before completing her studies, focusing on youth work with the Katanga Diocese and HIV/AIDS Outreach and will be working in Lubumbashi, Congo.

Johanna sits on the University of Chesterís Environmental Task Force, which explores how more sustainable and environmentally friendly activities can be developed across the Institution.

Managing Director of The Business Connection Kirsty Craig said:
ìJohanna is remarkable and a real inspiration for people of her generation, clocking up 100s of hours of voluntary work. I was delighted to present The Business Connection Award to Johanna, which celebrates her outstanding achievement at The University of Chester. Johanna has combined a public-spirited nature with some great business skills and Iím sure this is just the beginning for her. Johanna will make a difference to the lives of many people during her time in the Congo. The Business Connectionís annual Award celebrates outstanding achievement at The University of Chester and we consider our relationship with the University to be extremely worthwhile.î

The University of Chesterís Dean of Students, Dr Lesley Cooke, said:
ìThis yearís winner of The Business Connection Award, Johanna Fadipe, has made an outstanding commitment to raising awareness of environmental issues, including helping to secure Fair Trade status for the University and establishing the institutionís own People and Planet group.

ìWe are exceptionally proud of these significant achievements and wish her well with her plans to take a year out in 2007-8 to work in the Congo, before completing her degree in International Development Studies with French.

ìWe are delighted with our long standing relationship with The Business Connection and we look forward to being able to celebrate our tenth year of that association in June 2008.î

Johanna said:
ìItís great to be recognised for helping to make a difference in the community. This Award will also highlight the valuable work being done by People and Planetís members and show that personal achievement isnít just about personal gain.î