Students with learning difficulties and disabilities at Coleg Gwent’s City of Newport Campus have made a house their learning home and are enjoying their newly refurbished bungalow following an official launch event.
The bungalow is fully equipped like most houses – including kitchen, bathroom, living room and bedroom – so that Independent Living Skills students can learn and practice skills such as cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene to prepare them to live independently.
Speaking at the official opening ceremony, Coleg Gwent Principal Jim Bennett paid tribute to community supporters of the project including Jessica Morden MP and Councillor Allan Morris, as well as to the passion and commitment of the ILS staff and students.
Independent Living Skills student Louise Tasker said: “The bungalow is fantastic, so much better than it was before.
“It’s made a big difference being able to learn in nice surroundings. We’ve had a few lessons here already such as music and learning skills for independent living, which have been great fun.”
Their bungalow, situated at the entrance to the Campus, has been fully refurbished including a disabled shower, new windows, a new roof, replacement carpets and brand new furnishings. From vacuuming and cleaning, to making the bed and cooking breakfast, the bungalow is the perfect place for the students to become confident in day-to-day tasks that will help them build their future.
The creation of a new garden Alan Titchmarsh would be proud of also means the students will now study horticulture as part of the courses, giving them the basics in planting bulbs, sewing seeds and garden maintenance. The garden is home to a brand new washing line so they can learn additional laundry skills they were unable to do before the refurbishment.
