Sekai Chigawa, a disabled 24 year old Zimbabwean woman and 32 year old partially sighted South African student Theresa Robberts, have won the first ever scholarships to be awarded by private, international institution, Fulham & Chelsea College (FCC).

FCC provide highly respected two-year degree-level courses in Business Management , Travel, Tourism & Hospitality, Human Resource Management and Business Information Systems. All four specialist courses are offered in conjunction with the ABE

Speaking at the presentation of the scholarships at the House of Lords in central London, The Rt. Honourable Lord Pendry, Patron of FCC, congratulated Miss Robberts and Miss Chigawa on their outstanding achievements: “These scholarship have been awarded by Fulham & Chelsea College in recognition of these individual’s ability to overcome barriers, show determination, courage and perseverance” explained Lord Pendry. “They are both obviously inspirational young ladies, who, despite their disabilities have continued to show fighting spirit, determination and resilience. Both should be congratulated on their achievements so far”.

Theresa Robberts, winner of the Mathew Collins, Fulham & Chelsea College Scholarship Award 2007/08, began studying at FCC on 24 June 2006 having acquired her student visa in her home country of South Africa.

Moving from Cape Town to central London given that Miss Robberts is registered as one of the world's busiest capitals cities Sandy, who was held in UK quarantine. Theresa, who has been studying a two- Management at FCC, was delighted to second year at the west-London college.

in June 2006 was a courageous move partially sighted and had to survive in for 6 months without her Guide Dog, year degree level course in Business be awarded the scholarship to fund

Commenting on her award, Mathew Collins said: “Theresa is a unique student at FCC, given she is registered as partially sighted and is completely reliant on her Guide Dog, Sandy, in order to carry out her day-to-day duties of travelling around London. She is a real inspiration and is a very spirited young lady”

Speaking about her achievements, Theresa commented: “Not only does the staff at FCC make us both feel welcome, they also assist me on a daily basis in coping with the challenges I have to face during my studies as a result of my visual impairment”.

She continued: “I really enjoy being in London and studying and would recommend that anyone, regardless of their disability, try to stretch themselves and live their dream”.

Commenting on the winner of the Amal Arokiam, Fulham & Chelsea College Scholarship Award 2007/08, Mr Amal Arokiam, Director of Studies at FCC said: “Sekai started at FCC in June 2006 after obtaining her student visa from her home country of Zimbabwe. She immediately started studying at FCC and is progressing well on her degree-level Business Management course”. “She is a keen student and I hope that this scholarship funding will allow her to really embrace the opportunity of gaining a UK qualification while being able to gain valuable UK work experience at the same time”.

Despite losing her parents and experiencing mobility problems, Sekai was determined to further her qualifications and career opportunities and has travelled half way around the world to join FCC.

Two scholarships (in the names of Mathew Collins and Amal Arokiam) will be awarded annually from this year (2007). Only those students who are currently studying their first year at FCC will be considered for a scholarship to fund their Yr 2 studies.

“FCC has delivered beyond my expectations. From the moment I arrived at the College from India, I was surprised how much assistance the FCC team gave me in setting up a UK bank account and organising my student travel cards, amongst other things. FCC has an abundance of social and academic opportunities to suit everyone and it has personally allowed me to take part in student life whilst working toward my own career goals. FCC has a blended learning system of classes, one-to-one tutorials and self study which is so flexible - you just choose the combination that works for you. It really allowed me to work, study and enjoy my time in London. FCC is a well-run and methodical College and has an academically-solid track record. As it’s a small private College I get an abundance of support from the FCC team, which makes all the difference when you study abroad".