Traveller organisations have lobbied for many years for the introduction of a ‘Traveller and Roma Education Strategy’ (TRES) to achieve equal outcomes for Traveller and Roma children and young people in education. This was included in the current Programme for Government and the Department of Education is now working with key stakeholders and national Traveller and Roma organisations in the development of the strategy. The Consultative Group (Pavee Point Traveller & Roma Centre, NTWF, Mincers Whiden, Exchange House Ireland, ITM, Cairde, Involve,) in conjunction and collaboration with local organisations will hold six consultations with Traveller (4) and Roma (2) families and communities. The consultations for the TRES are in line with the NTRIS consultations.
This is an opportunity for Travellers and Roma to talk about the experiences and issues facing Traveller and Roma children and young people in educational provision and to have their say on what needs to happen to bring about positive change. Hub na nOg (hubnanog.ie) will undertake consultations with young people (Under 18) in the forthcoming weeks. The National Traveller organisations are currently contacting local Traveller organisations to invite them to take part in 4 regional consultations. We would appreciate it if you can confirm your attendance using the allocated registration emails for each region, when registering please provide us with your contact details and any dietary requirements you may have.
Remember that if you’re not available to attend the consultation in your own area you are more than welcome to register to attend any of the other regional consultations listed below
Thursday March 14th
(10.30am – 3.30pm) Midlands Region: National Traveller Womens Forum (NTWF) To register email Maria at info@ntwf.net
Venue: TBC
Tuesday March 19th
(10.30am – 3.30pm) Dublin Region: Pavee Point Traveller & Roma Centre To register email Stephanie at stephanie.mcdermott@pavee.ie
Venue: Pavee Point Traveller & Roma Centre, 46 Charles Street Great, Dublin 1 DO1XC63
Monday April 8th
(10.30am – 3.30pm) West/North West Region: Minceirs Whiden/Exchange House Ireland To register email Maureen & Cathleen at maureen.minceirswhiden@gmail.com
Venue: Western Traveller Intercultural Development Centre, Brú Bhríde, Church View, Vicar Street, Tuam, Co Galway H54 EY24.
Thursday April 11th
(10.30am – 3.30pm) Southern Region: ITM/Minceirs Whiden To register email Bernard & Maureen at director@itmtrav.ie
Venue: The Glen Resource & Sport Centre, Glen Ave, The Glen, Cork
The broad themes for discussions at the consultations include:
• Inclusion, belonging, and diversity as Travellers and Roma journey through systems of education
• Equality of opportunity, access, and outcomes in education.
• Retention in education.
• Transitions at different educational levels.
• Relationships and supports between parents/guardians, schools, and communities.
• The digital divide experienced by members of the Traveller and Roma communities.
• The impact of Covid-19 on Traveller and Roma education as a whole.