FERMANAGH woman Sarah Leonard has taken part in an inquiry into post-special educational need provision during a meeting of the Employment and Learning committee.

The daughter of Tony and Theresa Leonard from Cashel, outside Garrison, is a student at Parkanaur College near Dugannon, a facility for people with disabilities.

She told committee members about the positive impact that the college has had on her life.

“Before I started at Parkanaur, I was very shy, scared and nervous. I did not want to leave home. Now I am glad that I came here because I have made loads of new friends and can make my own decisions. The multi-skills programme was interesting, but I knew that I wanted to do catering.

“As well as the catering, I have improved my IT, literacy and numeracy skills. I know how important these all are in getting a job. It is not all work, you know: I have made some good friends here and taken up new interests like dancing and going to the gym. Last year, I was chairperson of the student council and spoke at prize-giving to family, friends and total strangers. I never thought that I would be able to do something like that,” she said.

“I have matured in my time here,” added Ms Leonard. “My family has seen this. The staff at Parkanaur have seen it, too. I now am more confident in my work, social skills and independence. These will prepare me better for getting a job in the future.”