Rosaleen’s Story
I am a member of the travelling community. I left school when I was 16 and I went to a FAS course in Blackpool for three years. Being a Traveller, it’s not easy to get a job. It’s not easy to do most things, but getting a job is hard. It’s not for the point of not wanting a job because, if I was offered a job in the morning, I would take it.
When I turned 18, I was old enough to go on a C.E Scheme so I started a C.E scheme in TVG, The Traveller Visibility Group, in Johns Street in the Drug and Alcohol Programme. After the C.E Scheme was finished I wanted to go and get my FETAC certs. I visited Cork Employability in Penrose Wharf and I explained my story to my job coach. She told me leave it with her and she’ll get back to me.
After a few days, my job coach contacted me and told me about Good Shepherd Cork, Education and Development and how it was an all-girls course.
They do different modules in cooking, maths, computers personal development, communications, gardening, childcare and sewing. I thought this would be great and it was exactly what I was looking for. I filled out an application form and sent it in.
After a few days, I had a phone call of the manager from Education and Development, asking me would I like to come up so that we can have a chat and she can show me around. I am very nervous when it comes to being interviewed but when I got there it was a very informal chat and I felt comfortable straight away. I started two weeks later.
I am in Education and Development 7 months now and I love it. The tutors are very friendly, always there for support, not just there for support with folder work but there to support you in any way they can.
While being here I’ve met a great bunch of girls, each with their own stories very different from mine. It goes to show, don’t judge a book by its cover. You don’t know a person unless you get to know them.
Good Shepherd Cork has helped me grow in confidence, has helped me plan for my future, figure out what I want as a career and change my mind about travellers and jobs. It has taught me to never give up.
[Rosaleen is not her real name]
