This is a 3 year project in collaboration with Offaly Traveller Movement (OTM) and funded by Rethink Ireland – Equity in Education Fund. The aim of this programme is to help young people from the Traveller community who experience difficulties in remaining in school and report feelings of negativity and of not belonging during their school experience. This results in lower rates of school completion. The Offaly Traveller Movement and Ballycommon Technology and Training Centre are jointly committed to delivering this Inclusive Education Project to support young people to continue in education. Our focus is on young Travellers, to give them the support they need to continue in education and through peer to peer mentoring to empower changemakers among their own communities. As the two organisations have common goals and objectives, and shared beliefs in inclusion and equality, we are confident that our joint efforts are necessary and valuable.

The Inclusive Education Project offers post-primary students from marginalised backgrounds mentoring and support in a safe environment outside of school to worked with trusted adults and focus on their education and success in school. Simultaneously we will engage with schools, teachers and the student body to offer schools and the student body cultural awareness training to have a better understanding of Travellers and their culture and needs.