‘Poor rate of Traveller children finish education’

LESS than half of Traveller children finish second level education, according to figures presented to Education Minister Mary Hanafin yesterday.

The report of the Advisory Committee on Traveller Education shows that 1,845 Traveller pupils were in mainstream second level schools last year, all but 260 of them in classes up to Junior Certificate level.

The total figure is just 46% of the estimated 4,000 members of the Traveller community of post-primary age, and compares poorly with an 80%-plus rate for the entire population.

The committee pointed out that this represents an improvement, however, since 2000, when just 961 Travellers were enrolled in second level.

While much of this is attributable to increased Government spending on Traveller education in the same period, from €39.6 million to €55.2m, the report recommends more initiatives to improve participation.

Ms Hanafin acknowledged that education has been a negative experience for many Travellers in the past but said the report provides a catalyst for moving towards a quality education for all in an inclusive setting. She said one of her immediate priorities is the mainstreaming of provision for Travellers.

“This will be achieved by the phasing out, over a period of time, of segregated provision for Travellers in pre-schools, primary and post primary education. It will also include the ending of enhanced capitation grants for Travellers over 12 years of age attending primary schools in order to ensure progression onto second level and beyond,” she said.

Her department provided more than 520 resource teachers for Travellers at primary level last year, at a cost of almost €29m.

A further €13m was provided for almost 1,110 adult students at senior Traveller training centres, while a further 330 Travellers took part in Youthreach programmes for early school leavers between 15 and 20.

The advisory committee report recommends the inclusion of Travellers being an explicit part of enrolment policies for all schools, and an end to segregated learning for Travellers.

It also recommends development of the National Educational Welfare Board to help improve school attendance and that schools should encourage more parental involvement.

It sets a five-year target of having all Traveller children transfer to second level from primary school, from a current rate of 85%, and having half of all those who sit the Junior Certificate finishing senior cycle education.

An increase in Traveller numbers in third level education is also targeted, assisted by college policies on enrolment and course choices.