Hard work pays off for Kildare programme participants
Patsy Simion, manager of the An Tearmann coffee shop, with Stuart O'Neill, who works there under the My Dream Job initiative, David Hogan, proprietor of An Tearmann, Emma Meredith, Career and Employment Facilitator at Camphill Communities of Ireland, and Salima Hogan.
WITH their progress described as 'truly inspiring,' 30 service users at Bridge Camphill in Kilcullen were awarded their certificates last week for completing several courses and workshops. They were all participants in the My Dream Job initiative organised under the Workability — Inclusive Pathways to Employment programme managed by the Department of Social Protection and co-funded by the EU.
Emma Meredith, career and employment facilitator at Camphill Communities of Ireland, handed out the FET and ETB certificates, saying the programme was designed to open doors, empower people, and support dreams. "Today, we stand together to celebrate just how far we have come," she told those present.
She congratulated the participants on their perseverance, energy, and willingness to grow.
"You should be incredibly proud of yourselves and everything you have done to date. To the staff, supporters, and partners in this, thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement, because without you, none of this would have been possible."
An award for Employer of the Year was presented to the An Tearmann coffee shop by Stuart O'Neill, who has been working there two days a week under the scheme. He said that while initially nervous, the staff made it very easy for him to feel comfortable in his workplace. An Tearmann proprietor, David Hogan, presented certificates to those who had taken part in culinary and bakery classes and worked with the coffee shop. He presented a framed collage of photographs of those who had taken part in the culinary and bakery course and work experience, which will hang in the bakery on the campus.
The programme covered manual handling training, a power of positivity workshop, disability awareness training, computers (FET and ETB), horticulture (FET), and career preparation and office procedures (ETB). Eight service users participated in work experience in schools, coffee shops, gardens, and retail, and six secured paid employment. Fifteen of the group completed the bakery and culinary module.
On behalf of the participants, Annie Schiffer said that Emma Meredith had 'changed people's lives' in Bridge Camphill. She reflected on her experience working at the Russborough House estate and said: "We've all gone out into the big world and can see what it looks like. Russborough is a fabulous place to work in, and it's like a third community to me."
In conclusion, Emma said the programme has been 'a great journey'. "And there's still loads more to come, so hang in there."
