Latch-On is funded by Tipperary ETB and is run in partnership with Down Syndrome Ireland. It has provided Therese with a lot of opportunities and new experiences.
“We do a lot of projects and go on a lot of trips. We went to Blackcastle Farm where we learned about different farm animals. I have a lot of experience with animals because I live on a farm myself. They have special Piemontese cattle from Italy originally. We learned about sustainable farming and the environment and I loved it.”
“We went to the training centre in Archerstown twice. We learned all about working in hotels and how to get yourself set up in the hotel business. We set tables and did some cooking like making pizzas and scones. We learned about Health & Safety in the kitchen, and how to get the restaurant ready. There’s a hospitality operations section in Archerstown.”
“Last week we went to the Horse & Jockey hotel. We had a tour of all the different jobs that people do in the hotel.”
This practical experience is part of their Employability module on the Latch-On course.
Therese says: “Students will go back to Archerstown for interviews soon and we will have to dress in our professional clothes. There are certain jobs that have been advertised so they are looking for chefs, waiting staff and bar staff, and everyone had to apply for a job.”
“I had to write a letter to apply for a job, explaining why I wanted it. I had to do up my CV – I have loads of things to put on my CV with all the work experience I’ve done in the past. I really hope I get a bartending job. When we get jobs, we have to set up the restaurant, and some of us will be working in the kitchen to prepare and serve lunch to the staff. Everyone will have their jobs. I love baking and I cook a lot for my family. I like making risotto and pasta.”
The other modules in the Latch-On course are as follows:
- Starting a Journey of Self-Discovery: students look at themselves, their families and their hobbies and their favourite things in life.
- Beyond Self and into the Community: this module looks at their interests like music, sport and film. Through that module, they learned about movies and went on different daytrips like to Blackcastle Farm
- Reaching out into the World has a wider focus. Students learn about the countries of the world and the continents and inspirational people like Audrey Hepburn, President Michael D. Higgins, Katie Taylor, Elton John and Rachael Blackmore. They also get to discuss their heroes and their lives
- Taking on the World: focus is on practical tasks and preparing students for employment, and going out into the world and being more independent.
Therese has nothing but positive things to say about her tutors: “I love my tutors on my course. They are really special to me and really supportive. When I first joined the course, I was so nervous and upset but they really helped me and complimented me. And now I can’t stop talking. I’m a real chatterbox.”
“I would definitely recommend my course to other people as there are so many people out there like me. Some people have no idea what they want to do, and this gives us everything we need to go back to college.”
“We learn about all the movies and famous actors. That was my favourite part of the course. And there are loads of celebrities with Down syndrome that I’ve seen on screen. Lauren Potter was on Glee and she is an inspiration to me.
“My dream job for as long as I can remember is to be an actress. Recently I was in a play called Movie Nights in Cashel and I was a dancer. I love performing and doing Zumba with my friends. I like Hip-Hop, ballet and contemporary dance and making up my own moves. I’m very sassy and feisty and I want to step into the spotlight. I love Glee and all the songs. I really love Lewis Capaldi. His lyrics and music are inspiring to me.”
Tipperary ETB Adult Literacy Service produce an annual every year, and all the learners contribute to it.
Therese’s creative side is on show here too. She loves writing stories and poems: her romantic story called Mysterious Love was published in the ETB annual last year.
Therese will graduate from her course on the 17th June in Thurles and is looking forward to wearing a cap and gown for the occasion.
Check out our website to learn more about Learner Voice training and Learner Champions
For more information contact Karyn at kfarrell@aontas.com
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