Traveller Voices and Perspectives

Dr Almar Barry, Geography Department, St Patrick's College recently interviewed three members of the Traveller Community in front of an audience of 200 students and staff in the College. Brigid Nevin, Nellie McCann and Mary Collins (all from Trav Act) shared their perspectives, voices and experiences on life in the Traveller community, both historically and in the Ireland of the 21st Century. The discussion focused on Traveller culture, traditions, life expectancy, health, marriage patterns and access to education.  Particular attention focused on the early school leaving, adult illiteracy and the resultant negative impact of both trends on the life chances of members of the Traveller community in securing employment. Brigid Nevin noted that it is critically important for Primary and Secondary School teachers to have a knowledge and an awareness of Traveller culture in their everyday practice as professional educators, to ensure that Traveller children complete their education and that they have a good experience of our educational system, a system in which they are valued and in which their identity as Travellers is both recognised and celebrated.  While organised as part of a 2nd year Geography module, students and staff from across the College participated in the event. 

 

 

 

 

Last Updated: Friday November 25 2011