There has been an exciting development for a young Fermanagh woman, who was recently announced as the new Head of Schools and Families at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London.

Donna McDowell, originally from Tamlaght, outside Enniskillen, is set to lead the Cathedral’s ‘imaginative engagement’ with children and young people.

The former pupil of Lisbellaw Primary and Enniskillen Collegiate Grammar Schools will join the Cathedral community this September to take up the busy role welcoming groups from schools and youth projects from across the Diocese of London and beyond.

Donna, a daughter of John and Valerie McDowell of Lisbellaw, studied at Edinburgh University, where she did an Honours degree in History and English, and she completed a Masters in Theological Studies and Theatre in Canada. Time was also spent in Japan by Donna, who trained for her PGCE in London. She has been teaching for many years, including seven years as a teacher of Religious Studies. The 43-year-old will join the dedicated Schools’ and Families’ team, which is based in the Education Centre in the crypt of the Cathedral - a building which she regards as ‘stunning’. “Having spent seven years as a secondary school teacher of Religious Studies and Philosophy in London, I am very much looking forward to making the move into education outside the classroom,” commented Donna, who disclosed that she is ‘really excited’ about her new position.

“I feel privileged to be able to join a dynamic education team in such a vibrant and iconic site of worship, and am excited to continue developing the resources for older students, families and the online learning community,” indicated Donna, who enjoys making return visits to her home county and was due back for a few days this month, July.

Chancellor of St. Paul’s, the Rev. Canon Mark Oakley says he is really delighted to welcome Donna to the Cathedral and to head up their great Schools’ and Families’ team.

He explained: “The educational and interpretative work of the department is to allow children and young people understand more about the Christian faith and the ways in which St. Paul’s tries to live out that faith, historically and in our own day.” Canon Oakley added: “Donna brings great experience to the task and I have no doubt will help to develop our imaginative engagement with the many thousands of young guests we welcome each year.”