When Anju Mall left high school, she wanted to continue learning. For the last 15 years she has decided not to let her special needs hold her back, and has progressed tremendously through her education program.

“Anju has accomplished many things by continuing her education with her care provider. She has increased her reading and writing skills, which in turn has built her self confidence to be part of the community and to perform tasks on her own,” said nurse Kathy Frasca.

“She enjoys volunteering at Durand Manor, and helping others clean their houses.”

“I really like school,” said Mall.

Through the Sunshine Group, Mall has also gained work experience at a few different businesses around town. Her goals for the future include going to university and becoming a make-up artist.

Mall even decided to tackle a task that strikes most of us with fear, public speaking.

She wrote a speech which she was to perform at a competition in Vancouver. Unfortunately a mix-up with the schedule prevented her from attending.

“She worked so hard on it, and did such a good job of it,” said volunteer Betty Holland.

Among her many skills, Mall has a knack for remembering birthdays. She had hundreds of dates stored away in her mind, and her friends say you only need to tell her once and she’ll remember them forever.

“Anju amazes her doctor and everyone around her at how great her memory is for birthdays and anniversaries,” said Frasca.

“Sometimes we underestimate what special needs people can accomplish. They all have special gifts.”

“I feel very lucky to get to work with Anju,” said Holland. “She is a pretty special person.”