Student uses her university success to benefit a social enterprise

A student from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is celebrating achieving a Certificate of Higher Education (Cert HE) in Social Enterprise Management at Carmarthen Business School, having used her studies to benefit her work with a social enterprise.

Kelly Lewis-Bennett now aims to return to the university in September to start another course. This is a big step for a student who previously lacked confidence in her academic ability.

“I decided to study Social Enterprise and Management to gain knowledge to help me in my role with the social enterprise I’m involved with,” she says. “It was a huge risk for me as I didn't enjoy school when I was younger and left without any qualifications so I wasn't sure I would be able to manage or cope academically in university.

“Having said that, it was one of the best decisions I have made, and I hadn't realised until then how much I love learning. Studying at Carmarthen Business School has completely changed the way I think; it has given me so much confidence within myself and that is all down to the support that I have received from my lecturers and classmates throughout the year.”

The social enterprise Kelly works with is the Baton Twirling Association Cymru, BTAC. It aims to develop the sport of Baton Twirling throughout Wales and ensure Wales has representation at international events and competitions. Kelly is one of the directors with the role of fundraising and new business co-ordinator.

“The university was extremely supportive of my responsibilities with regards to my role at the association, especially in allowing me some time off so that I was able to attend an international event with the team,” she says. “Although juggling the two could be challenging at times, I was able to find a balance between my work responsibilities and my studies.”

She is delighted that her studies created multiple opportunities to benefit the BTAC, including an online learning app that enables its members to access training opportunities and videos.

“This has proven to be an essential tool with the current coronavirus pandemic,” she says. “It was first designed to ensure that all children and young adults, especially those living in rural areas, would be able to access video tutorials and be able to take advantage of learning a new and exciting sport. Even world champions from across the globe wanted to get involved, which in turn has bought our sporting community closer together during these uncertain times.”

Kelly’s tutor, Jess Shore, is hugely impressed with Kelly’s achievements.

“Kelly has had an incredible year, it has completely transformed her confidence,” she says. “She was very nervous at the start, but she has certainly made up for that now. She has applied her learning this year to her own enterprise and as a result they were able to react to the COVID-19 crisis.  It has been tremendous show of resilience and also personal growth.

“I could tell that Kelly enjoyed the learning experience; she was very vocal in class debates and discussion and would be able to add context to the theoretical discussions. Quite often she would email me links to relevant articles that she had been reading outside of her assignment work.  She is an excellent student and I am delighted that she has decided to continue her studies with us in September.”

Further Information

For further information, please contact Sian-Elin Davies, Principal Communications and PR Officer on 01267 676908 / 07449 998476 sian-elin.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk