26 April, 2010 - Minister Haughey launches Northside Partnership Traveller Education Week

Seán Haughey TD,  Minister for Lifelong Learning today launched Northside Partnership's Traveller Education Week at Coolock Library on Dublin's northside.
 

The Traveller Education week is organised by the Coolock Traveller Education Network to highlight the successes and the potential of education amongst the Traveller Community living in the Dublin 17 area, as well as spreading a wider understanding of Traveller culture locally.

 
Members of the Traveller Education Network will play a proactive role in supporting and running events during the Education and Traveller Culture Awareness week.

 
The Traveller Education Network consists of local schools (Home School Liaison Officers),the Visiting Teacher for Travellers and community-based organisations working with Travellers.

 
Since its establishment, the Network has been working on furthering Traveller education in its operational area, with a particular focus on increasing levels of progression to,and completion of, second level education.

 
Launching Traveller Education Week, Minister Haughey said 'I am delighted to be here in Coolock to be part of this special event.'

 
'This important week aims to highlight the need to eliminate the many barriers which prevent Traveller children from fully participating and gaining maximum benefit from their education.'

 
'If we are to achieve even better outcomes for Traveller students we will have to improve attendance at every level,increasing transfer and retention rates, particularly at post-primary level, and achieving increased progression into further and higher education.'

 
'Our major challenge now is to ensure that Traveller students, when they leave primary schools,are fully equipped to tackle the post-primary curriculum so that they will benefit from every opportunity available to them and will be able to make informed choices in relation to further education or moving into the world of work.'

 
'Many Traveller parents may have had negative experiences during their own school days.'

 
'They must now be supported and convinced of the huge benefits that a good education will bring to their children.'

 
'Their expectation for their own children is vital to improving participation and attainment in education,'said Minister Haughey.

 
The Minister wished all involved every success with Traveller Education Week and thanked them for all the effort and dedication in bringing this important event  to fruition.

 
'We must remember that Education is key in determining our life chances and opens life opportunities to all.'

 
'It is imperative that we ensure that the members of the Travelling Community are positioned to achieve their full potential,' concluded Minister Haughey.

 
Ends