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University of Bolton graduate Khadija Ibrahim has been presented with a prestigious award for her commitment to succeeding in higher education.

Khadija, who is partially sighted and has hearing difficulties, has been awarded an Aimhigher accolade, presented to those 'overcoming significant barriers to improve their education and aim towards entering higher education'.

Her journey to university success began with University of Bolton Enlighten project. Enlighten works with ethnic communities, encouraging people into higher education.

 Khadija, age 22, from Bolton, has now completed her degree in product development for the fashion industry and is delighted with her award. She now plans to return to the University of Bolton in September to begin a masters course.

'I'm delighted with my degree result – I got a second class honours. Succeeding hasn't been easy. I worked very hard and I had to be adaptable, but I had Yasmin from the Enlighten project to help me with any problems. I'm very proud of my achievements and I'm looking forward to continuing my studies.'

The Enlighten project is nationally recognised as a leader in its experience and innovative approach. Its aim is to increase the numbers of students from ethnic minority backgrounds and those from families where higher education is not typical. Making up the team are Laurette Evans, Yasmin Hussain, Rehana Makken and Sabiha Makken. The team is skilled in community working, with good local connections, reputations and fluency in community languages to work with community and faith groups. These included the Bolton Council of Mosque, the Hindu Forum and selected women's groups.

Khadija is pictured, right, with Laurette and Yasmin from Enlighten