Blind student wins national excellence award

Complete blindness is no obstacle for early childhood graduate Leyna Coleman, who has won a national student of the year award for academic excellence.

Leyna (21), who studied at the Nanny Centre in Manukau, won the NZ Association of Private Education Providers (NZAPEP) student of the year award at the recent awards dinner.

NZAPEP executive director Chuck Wareham sees Leyna as an inspiration to other blind children, as Leyna succeeded against considerable odds to complete her nanny qualification.

“Leyna refused to listen to her doubters who discouraged her from a career choice.

“She is determined to succeed in the career she loves, despite the huge hurdles her disability throws at her,” said Mr Wareham.

Leyna, who lives in the Waitakere suburb of Ranui, travelled for up to four hours a day on public transport, so she could attend classes at The Nanny Centre in
Papatoetoe.

Leyna and both her mother Dawn and sister Petra (18) suffer from retinitis pigmentosa, and have been blind since birth. Leyna’s family are just as driven for success as Leyna’s mother Dawn who had a successful career as a telephonist prior to having children, while sister Petra is considering her options for university studies.

Lorraine Appleton, Nanny Centre director sees Leyna as one of her most dedicated students.

“She passed all her exams with flying colours and never complained about the challenges she faced.

“Leyna is great with the children and just wants people to take her seriously,” said Mrs Appleton.

Leyna was selected by an independent panel who considered nominations made by education providers representing up to 60,000 students nationally. The awards celebrate the success of the teachers and students in NZ’s private tertiary sector.

Leyna gained the respect and admiration of her classmates and teachers for not only her willingness to participate but also for giving them a greater understanding of what others may have to contend with in order to achieve.

As one student noted – we are all here for the same reason, to succeed and be the best we can be, and Leyna has certainly done that.

Leyna is passionate about working with special needs children, but is happy to work with all children.

“Ideally I’d like to work as an in home nanny, seeing children learn and achieve is what makes me smile,” said Leyna.