A BUCKLAND schoolgirl is enjoying a new boost to her education, thanks to a special donation by West Devon charities. Bee Cuelho, who is in class 4 at St Andrew?s School, has just started using a laptop computer, which was given to her by the Mary Budding Trust and the Round Table. Her mother, Cathy, said the computer had made a huge difference to Bee, who has Down?s Syndrome. ?She just loves it, it?s been so beneficial to her,? said Cathy. ?She?s so much more part of the class now. Her writing is poor, but she has no problem using the keyboard. Before, when she used the computer she would have her back to the class ? now she?s more integrated, she can sit at the table with the other children. ?She brings it home from school to do her homework ? it has just made it easier to do what the other children are doing and has opened up more possibilities for her.? Cathy said Bee will continue to use the laptop once she leaves St Andrew?s to go to secondary education. She said the family was ?very pleased? the Mary Budding Trust had been able to buy the laptop for Bee ? and to the Round Table which has also donated £500 towards the equipment. ?For a while we?ve thought it?s something that she would benefit from ? we are delighted,? said Cathy. The Mary Budding Trust is the brainchild of the late Robin Fenner of Tavistock, who was closely involved in Mencap for many years. The trust was set up last summer to help children with special needs in West Devon. Tony Waites, vice-chairman of the trust, said he was delighted the charity was able to provide Bee with the new laptop. ?The thing about the laptop is it gives her access to group work. Bee has severe language difficulties so up until now, she has had to work separately on a computer. ?Now she has been able to build friendships and be part of an integrated group ? it?s been far more successful than we ever imagined. We don?t go down the route of IT all the time but in this case, it?s been wonderful,? he said.
