Kaja Derejerano was the first Public Health Nutrition student from Atlantic Technological University (ATU) to complete her 12-week third-year placement with GNTC in 2025. Kaja was an absolute pleasure to work with, demonstrating exceptional commitment to both the business and to learning on the job.

During her time at GNTC, Kaja worked primarily on projects supporting the Brothers of Charity voluntary service, focusing on clients with learning disabilities. Her main project involved developing five practical, user-friendly guides for clients, staff, and service users diagnosed with a learning disability:

1. Healthy Food 4 Health
2. Healthy Meals 4 Health
3. Weight Management 4 Health
4. Snacking 4 Health
5. Fast Food and Takeaway 4 Health

As part of this work, Kaja conducted a pilot study to evaluate 'Guide 2: Healthy Meals 4 Health' with multidisciplinary staff at the Brothers of Charity service. Her evaluation concluded that the guide was effective, easy to use, and practical for daily meal planning. The guide’s clear language and visuals were especially valued by healthcare professionals and caregivers. Feedback suggested including IDDSI descriptors, sample meal plans, and additional visuals in future versions.

Future research could expand to include all five guides to further enhance accessible education about food, nutrition, and hydration for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Kaja will commence her final year at ATU in September 2025. We wish her the very best of luck in her final year and future career in public health nutrition.