St. Ita's and St. Joseph's Special School

Our school is a primary and post-primary special school. We offer a variety of state funded curricula for pupils with disabilities from 4 to 18 years of age. In 2015 we had great success with a City and Guilds Painting and Decorating Certification Project organised with the assistance of some parents and local businesses. Some of these pupils with the support of their local community went on to start their own business as painter decorators. This led staff to consider moving the school in a further alternative direction to support the future employment of the pupils. In 2016 we were delighted to be one of the charities chosen by the Ring of Kerry Cycle which enabled us to partially build the external structure of a vocational centre for our pupils to support their vocational training.

The building has yet to be finished. We would really appreciate any funds to support us in finishing this project which will support pupils with special needs in reaching their true potential throughout Co. Kerry. Our pupils with the right supports want to be active citizens in their local communities and this project will enable them to do so for years to come. The plan is to offer pupils training in beauty therapy, hairdressing, plumbing and carpentry as well as electrical and mechanical training.  There will also be a shop and community coffee shop where pupils can practice the skills involved in selling and serving their local community. The aim is to provide pupils with certification for supported employment when they leave us. We require funding and/or voluntary services from beauticians, hairdressers, plasterers, carpenters, electricians and plumbers to make this happen. We would appreciate the donation of funds, skills or equipment from anyone who could further develop training for our pupils.