University News Last updated 20 May 2015
A student from the School of Law has been awarded a flagship prize at the University's Extra Mile Awards for her work in the local community.
Belise Niringiyimana, a final year LLB (Hons) law student, was named the winner of the Entrepreneurial Student of the Year and was the runner-up for the Student Academic Leader of the Year at the ceremony on 13 May 2015.
The Extra Mile Awards is a project run in partnership by the University and the Students’ Union to celebrate the achievements of the best students and staff.
Belise has used the entrepreneurial skills from her degree to set up a business to help her community. Over 30 young people have received accredited qualifications thanks to her work in the Sandwell area of Birmingham.
She has also appeared on BBC News as an advocate for social enterprise and has helped to provide opportunities for young people out of education or employment.
Belise also works with Unity Trust Ltd to provide services for their partner schools. She has also set up independent dance and fitness provision within a number of areas in Sandwell, and will soon be expanding into a number of other locations in Birmingham. She currently has two full-time employees and four volunteers working for her business Dance Lyf CIC.
One of her nominator writes: "She is a student I really admire and a great example of how students at the University are using their entrepreneurial skills to help others."