Valentine Nkoyo, 26, from York, has fought all her life for schooling, but through sheer determination she is now at York St John University studying Business Studies.

Her devotion and commitment to learning has been recognised and she has won a Regional Individual Award, as part of the Adult Learners’ Week.

Valentine was born in Maasailand, in Kenya, where the community does not believe the right for girls to be educated is of importance.

Her father struggled to pay for her tuition, but she was often sent home because he could not afford it.

Valentine said: “I poured my frustration into a poem to plead with my father to consider my education. It was this poem and a video made of it that brought me to the attention of the sponsors who helped me continue my journey to university in Kenya.”

She came to England in January 2009 and took a creative writing and film-making course at York St John University for a term.

In September 2009, Valentine won the Inspire International Scholarship from the university, which allowed to her finish the rest of her business degree in York at York St John. As well as completing her degree Valentine has helped other students in gaining the right to be educated by volunteering at her university’s development office, where she helps raise scholarship funds.

She is also beginning a project to help support the primary school she went to in Kenya.

“Education is something that never ends.

“Bringing it to others is my greatest satisfaction,” Valentine said.

Senior campaigns officer from the the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE), Rachel Thomson, said: “Hopefully millions of adults across the country will be inspired by Valentine’s story to take up learning and discover for themselves a whole new raft of opportunities.”

Valentine was presented with the award at Yorkshire and Humberside Adult Learners’ Week Regional Award ceremony, at Leeds United Banqueting Suite.