Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, has welcomed the positive findings of the Education Community Development Worker Scheme, which employs Traveller and Roma community workers to support children in schools. Launched in 2022, the scheme is the first of its kind in Ireland and operates across ten areas, aiming to enhance the primary and post-primary school experiences of Traveller and Roma children.
The evaluation of the scheme highlighted that children benefit from having a trusted adult from their own community, someone who “gets it.” Community development workers provide one-to-one support, lunchtime and afterschool clubs, cultural workshops, arts projects, and campus visits to further and higher education institutions. These activities have helped students enjoy learning, build confidence, express pride in their culture, develop friendships, and participate more actively in class, reducing feelings of isolation.
Parents and guardians reported feeling better equipped to engage with schools thanks to the support of development workers. Schools also noted improvements in attendance and emphasized the unique value of having Traveller and Roma workers in these roles, supporting children from their own communities. Minister Foley stated that the evaluation confirms the scheme’s positive role in retaining Traveller and Roma children in education, which is critical for improving outcomes and future employment opportunities.
Currently, the scheme funds ten Traveller organisations nationwide, with an annual allocation of €650,000 from the Dormant Accounts Fund. The Department of Children, Disability and Equality oversees the programme and intends to continue funding it, taking into account the evaluation’s recommendations. The scheme’s goals include improving learning experiences, educational outcomes, attendance, participation, retention, and parental engagement. The evaluation found that progress has been made on these goals, though more work is needed to increase Roma participation.
Examples from the evaluation showcase the diverse activities of Education Community Development Workers. Ballyfermot Traveller Action Project offered cultural workshops, creative arts projects, lunchtime clubs, and one-to-one support while promoting parent engagement. Blanchardstown Traveller Development Group addressed discrimination, family advocacy, and ran afterschool clubs, cultural awareness training, and community engagement. Bray Travellers Community Development Group used lived experience to inform programming, hosted afterschool programmes, parent evenings, and arts-based projects, while fostering stronger school relationships. Galway Traveller Movement focused on literacy, anti-racism workshops, and family-school links. Meath Travellers Workshop delivered academic supports, life skills, cultural events, and post-secondary guidance. Waterford’s Mincéirí Port Láirge expanded cultural activities, literacy support, and family outreach, while Wicklow Travellers Group promoted youth engagement, school inclusion, and advocacy for educational programmes.
Overall, the scheme demonstrates significant positive impacts on Traveller and Roma children, families, and schools, supporting both educational engagement and cultural inclusion while informing the continued development of policies under the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy II.
