Royal
appointment gives women deserved status
Two women
from Croydon with learning difficulties met the Queen and Duke of
Edinburgh as a result of being nominated for excelling in their particular
field of work.
By Simon Alfred - News Reporter - '' The Croydon
Advertiser'' - June 1998
Fighting
the odds to build a better life resulted in two women being Invited to a
reception with the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh this week.
On
Monday Teresa Holder and Devayani Raste, both of whom suffer learning
difficulties, travelled to Buckingham Palace for a treat they will
remember.
The reception had been organised to recognize the
achievements of hundreds of young people from across the country who have
excelled In their own particular fields despite adverse personal
circumstances or handicaps.
Teresa and Devayani had been nominated
for recognition by croydon-based STATUS Employment, which offers a unique
supported employment service enabling people with learning difficulties to
hold down proper jobs in the community.
Senior STATUS consultant
Paul Welch claimed the pairs achievements in the workplace were an
inspiration to others in similar circumstances.
He said: "They have
learning difficulties, yet they have shown what they can achieve with the
right support’’
Devayani, 21, of Pembury Road, South Norwood,
secured her invitation to the reception through her success as an
administrative assistant for South Norwood police.
Despite her
learning difficulties Devayani, who was taken on in February last year,
has exceeded all expectations in her 18 hour-a-week job collecting and
sorting the post, filing, and matching and stapling photos to index
cards.
Mr Welch said: "Her father was initially apprehensive as to
how she would cope but he has seen a remarkable change in her outlook and
character.
"Her confidence has really been boosted with a new sense of
direction in her life?’’
He added that behind both Devayani's and
Teresa's achievements lay a determination to contribute and will-power to
overcome obstacles.
He said: "Sticking at It and delivering is, we
feel, something they really have shown. We're very proud of what they've
achieved."
• Since STATUS was set up five years ago over 115 people
with learning difficulties have been placed in employment, the vast
majority in the Croydon area.
Contact
details: Devayani Raste: mukundraste@cs.com |
