info@soarforaccess.ie
Having a dedicated Traveller supporthoused within the Access Service of the university is a valuable resource to both current and prospective Traveller students as well as Traveller projects in the community.
Post entry Support
The Traveller Education Project Officer / Co-Ordinator acts as a point of contact for Traveller students in college. They can offer one-to-one support and mentoring; provide information on available supports and resources and assist students in their application for financial supports. They can also signpost and refer students to other support services and act as point of contact for university staff wishing to support Traveller students.
Community Outreach & Partnership
Forging strong working relationships with Traveller projects in the region has facilitated university – community partnerships. The Traveller Education Project Officer serves as an additional resource to community projects in the development and delivery of Traveller-led mentoring and community education initiatives in the South East region. They are a direct link between the community and the university delivering Traveller specific events, information sessions on supports, campus tours and bespoke educational programmes including:
- Mincéirí Port Láirge’s Brighter Futures mentoring programme for Traveller students in primary and post-primary schools in Waterford City. Linking with the university through campus tours, information sessions and meeting Traveller college students raises the education aspirations of young Travellers.
- Developed by the Irish Traveller Movement, the Yellow Flag Programmeis a practical programme that supports schools to become more inclusive of all cultures and ethnicities, celebrate diversity and challenge racism and discrimination. SETU is supporting two schools in the region to achieve the Yellow Flag.
- Bunclody Traveller Women’s group engage in community education programmes focused on literacy, confidence and group development. Programmes are responsive to participants’ needs, level and interest and are culturally relevant. The Project Officer supports this community education approach of incremental progression and provides information on pathways and supports to third level.
CONTACT
Paul Bennett
Traveller Education Project Officer, SETU Waterford
Dedicated Traveller Support
If you are considering third level or would like to find out more about supports available for Traveller students, please contact the dedicated Traveller support staff in your preferred college:
| SETU Waterford | SETU Carlow |
|---|---|
| Paul Bennett
Traveller Education Project Officer |
Hugh Ryan
PATH Administrator |
| MTU Cork Campus | MTU Kerry Campus |
|---|---|
| Leanne McDonagh Traveller Education Coordinator Leanne.mcdonagh@mtu.ie Breda Hogan Traveller Education Assistant breda.hogan@mtu.ie |
Christina Boland Traveller Liaison Officer Christina.boland2@mtu.ie |