Lifelong Learning Project - School Inclusion - Preventing Early School Leaving

Roma and Travellers in Public Education

Máirín Kenny

National Focal Point for Ireland: National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI) and the Equality Authority

Ireland 2004

Report

English

English

The objective in this report is to provide information on intercultural education policies for the Traveller community in Ireland. It is an analysis of the processes and strategies involved in the formulation and implementation of these policies and an assessment of both their “adverse” and “positive” impact. The discussion includes the formal and community sectors.

Part 1 provides the context for the discussion of education provision which includes:
• a review of issues to education provision for Travellers that relate to their demographic profile, accommodation, health, employment and social exclusion.
• an overview of key diversity-related elements in the education system including policy development, curricula, teacher education and system administration.

Part 2 is a consideration of education provision for Travellers and of Traveller participation, in the formal sector and in community based innovations. It concludes with a review of the situation in third level which is considered central to the issue of an inclusive system: It notes that the professional education of educators is provided there; the sectors of society with substantial social and political capital are educated there, and any transformation of their perspective will contribute to the building of a just and inclusive society. It points that Travellers and other minorities must participate in third level if they are to maximise their education options, and if they are to become involved as professionals at all levels of education planning, development and provision.

Part 3 draws key conclusions, and lessons to be learned from the development of policy and provision for Travellers

This is a valuable document and an in-depth review of Traveller Education in Ireland in the absence of copious research on the issue

http://www.nccri.ie/pdf/Roma_and_Traveller_Education_2004.pdf

Ann Caulfield

Mayo Education Centre

Researcher