From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
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Minister for Education Norma Foley, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic O’Gorman and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan today announced the publication of the Traveller and Roma Education Strategy (TRES).
The Strategy is a key action under the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy 2024-2030 (NTRIS II) and is also a committment in the Programme for Government.
It has been specifically developed to meet the needs of children, young people and adults from the Traveller and Roma communities with the aim of enhancing their education and outcomes.
Under the first two-year implementation plan for the strategy, two national Traveller and Roma Education Strategy co-ordinators will be appointed to support the implementation of actions within the Strategy, with an additional full-time national Supporting Traveller and Roma (STAR) co-ordinator role to support Traveller and Roma education. Family Link Workers will also be appointed to support the full roll out of the Tusla Traveller Parenting Support Programme.
Other key actions outlined in the plan include to:
• Increase the numbers of young people remaining in school to 6th year and achieving a Leaving Certificate
• Promote training on inclusion and diversity through teacher professional learning, develop more targeted cultural competence training
• Promote diversity in the education sector workforce
• Teach Traveller culture and history through the curriculum
• Introduce an information series on key education matters and policies as they relate to Traveller and Roma children and young people, which is accessible and available in a number of languages
• Through the Equal Start early learning and childcare model:
o Ensure all Traveller and Roma children participate in the ECCE programme
o Welcome and include Traveller and Roma families in early learning and childcare
o Ensure all early years educators and school age practitioners have training and resources in diversity and inclusion
o Offer additional supports to targeted services
• Ensure that students accessing tertiary education have a positive and welcoming experience
• Provide flexible and responsive learning opportunities
• Create safe and inclusive higher education campuses
• Through research, identify barriers to accessing tertiary education
Minister Foley said:
“It is positive to see the numbers of Traveller and Roma young people completing the Senior Cycle and Leaving Certificate have been increasing in recent years.
“However, it is important to also acknowledge that educational outcomes for Traveller and Roma children and young people in our schools are lower than for the general cohort of students.
“This government is committed to strengthening awareness and promotion of inclusion and tackling racism across the education system. It is important that we have an education system which meaningfully engages learners of all ages in a positive learning environment. I believe the implementation of the actions in TRES will greatly enhance the work that we already do to ensure that all children and young people who attend our schools are respected, valued and are supported to reach their full potential and complete their school education to Leaving Certificate.
“I want to acknowledge the hard work and collaboration that took place across the various departments, the Traveller and Roma organisations and with the education partners and our colleagues across all school communities to complete this strategy to ensure that it was an informed and inclusive process. In addition, I would like to say a special thank you to the children and young people who participated in our consultations.”
Minister O’Gorman said:
“In the coming weeks, the Government will publish the new National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy. The Traveller and Roma Education Strategy (TRES) will be an important driver in that strategy’s key theme of education. Improving participation and progression, respecting cultural diversity, and bringing educational improving outcomes for Traveller and Roma children are the cornerstones on which this strategy will be measured. I am pleased to jointly launch and begin the work of the Traveller and Roma Education Strategy today.”
Minister O’Donovan said:
“I'm delighted to see the publication of the National Traveller and Roma Education Strategy. The government plays a crucial role in building a fair, equal, and inclusive society. This strategy ensures that everyone, regardless of background or education, can access higher education without barriers. It acknowledges that each person's educational journey is unique and requires tailored support for success. Thanks to all stakeholders for their significant contributions to creating actionable steps that will bring real change to the education of the Traveller and Roma communities. The strategy's goals are ambitious, but aiming high is essential for creating a more inclusive Ireland.”
An extensive consultation process was undertaken to help develop the strategy, involving collaboration across the three government departments and with representatives from the Traveller and Roma communities and organisations to capture the views and experiences of Traveller and Roma children themselves, Traveller and Roma families and communities and the education sector.
ENDS