Down Syndrome Students Graduate

Simon Coveney T.D. presented awards at a graduation ceremony at MTU’s Department of Tourism & Hospitality, where the first group of students with Down Syndrome, along with MTU’s BA (Hons) Home Economics and Business students, were recognised together for their participation in a pilot programme.

The pilot programme, which commenced in January of this year, came about when Team Up, a Cork-based organisation that works to facilitate inclusion in society for persons with Down Syndrome, approached Dr Noel Murray, Head of Department, Tourism & Hospitality, MTU, with a proposal for a "Team Up for Home Economics and Business Pilot Programme".

Using the proven "buddy system" principles employed in several other Team Up community-based initiatives, this hands-on academic collaboration saw members of the local community with Down Syndrome pairing up with second year Home Economics and Business students, on an eight-week pilot programme.

The majority of the students within the Home Economics and Business course plan to become Home Economics secondary school teachers, of which there is currently a great shortage in Ireland, most especially those who have specific special education needs (SEN) experience. Given that up to a quarter of students in any secondary school classroom today have some type of additional need, Dr. Murray saw the value of this initiative for all students involved, most especially those preparing for a career as an educator.