Last updated 11:41, Thursday, 27 March 2008

overcoming adversity: Restituto Alonso, who escaped persecution in the Phillipines, has been awarded a bursary from Lakes College West Cumbria. From left, Mrs Alonso, Resti and Mike Gregson.

RESTITUTO Alonso, who left the Phillipines to escape racial persecution, has been awarded The David J Moore Memorial Bursary by awarding body OCNW.

Restituto, who completed the Access course at Lakes College West Cumbria last year, was presented with the £200 cheque for demonstrating academic excellence and overcoming significant adversity during their period of study.

Restituto Alonso, who now lives in Whitehaven, left the Philippines after his family experienced some persecution during the Marcos revolutionary years.

He impressed his personal tutor Mike Gregson who put his name forward for the award.

Mr Gregson said: “Resti has proved himself to be hard working and conscientious, achieving grades that confirmed that he is well suited to continuing on to higher education.

“He maintains his positive approach with an unassuming presence despite his family members experiencing cases of racism.”

Nigel Illman, who was his tutor for Law, also contributed to the application to OCNW on Resti’s behalf.

He told Futures: “Resti’s contributions in class revealed a clear, analytical and thoughtful mind.

“His experiences in his homeland seemed to give him an insight into questions of law and justice which were a useful perspective in class discussion.”

Restituto already has a degree in Theology from a University College in the Philippines, but has now progressed from the college to University of Cumbria to study a Social Work degree.

Once qualified he hopes to work as a social worker in the UK using his newly-developed skills and may one day return to the Phillipines.