Galway Traveller Movement are actively working to empower members of the Traveller community to go after their right to education. Traveller families face numerous barriers in the education sector which include racism and discrimination, low expectations, marginalisation, reduced timetables, poverty, poor literacy and digital disadvantage.
These barriers create a large disparity between Travellers and non-Travellers in relation to educational attainments. Covid-19 has increased the gap for Traveller students and it is now we are beginning to see the full extent of the negative impact this is having on the Traveller community.
In 2017, the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy revealed that only 13% of Traveller children complete second-level education compared to 92% in the settled community. Travellers are over 50 times more likely to leave school without the leaving certificate than the general population. Most Travellers (70% ) have only primary or lower levels of education and 18% of Travellers have no formal education at all, in comparison with 1% of the general population.
In a survey carried out by GTM in 2020, 127 of the 169 respondents needed access to a computer or tablet. 63 of the 169 responses had no access to the internet. The majority were negatively impacted by COVID as the world had suddenly become digital. The following are some of the direct quotes from respondents:
“I have four children in primary school and I am concerned about them falling behind in their classes when they go back to school, I find it hard getting them to do their homework with everything that is happening in Ireland at this time.”
“All the kids are doing their homework on one phone . Seven kids altogether”
“I'm afraid my child will fall behind in her work and won't be able to catch up with the rest of the class”
GTM have created a Peer led education programme working to address educational disadvantage in Galway City and Southeast Galway. GTM aim to:
Ensure the sustainability and mainstreaming of the project work that addresses educational disadvantage for the Traveller community in Galway.
Develop innovative interventions that support Traveller children and young people to reach their potential in education with a specific focus on ensuring that they have access to afterschool supports and the necessary technology to enable meaningful engagement.
Ensure a positive environment of respect and protection for the cultural identity of members of the Traveller community across the education system.
The Expected Outcomes from the programme are :
The Traveller Community empowered to be active agents in influencing and improving the community’s educational outcomes with a specific focus on reducing education inequalities and addressing discrimination.
A coordinated approach to delivering afterschool supports to Traveller children and young people that ensures access to the technology.
Increased participation by members of the Traveller community.
Guidance and information available for school/training providers, teachers that would enable targeting and improving the educational outcomes of Traveller children and young people.
New strategic alliances developed that enable innovation and the development of local best practice in education.
GTM will work with 100 children between 4 and 18 and hopes to influence positive change in education outcomes for the next generation. It will connect Traveller children with technology, provide online tutoring/mentoring, and provide enhanced after-school culturally appropriate supports. This work is funded by a local benefactor, the Late Late Show appeal fund administered by the Community Foundation and ReThink Ireland.
GTM’s success in being awarded funding from the Rethink Ireland Engage and Educate fund was hugely welcomed. This funding will allow GTM to employ two part time peer led workers to work directly in Galway Community College to support Traveller students, parents and teachers.
Cultural rights and action will be central which will include a zero tolerance to racism. We will work directly with the GRETB community schools where 67% of the new first years for 2021 are members of the Traveller community. The learning will be shared across the education sector and hopes to influence national policy making.
They believe that they can challenge and influence early school leaving by having a specific targeted project focused on improving the situation for Traveller children and young people.
GTM truly believe that ‘education is power’ and Traveller students will be empowered by their programme to reach their educational goals.
GTM Peerled Education Programme – Contact Annemarie Stokes and Aisling Egan for further information 091765390
