Dublin City Council will host this years Exchange House National Educational Achievement Awards for members of the Traveller community in the Atrium of the Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8 on Friday 6th November at 5pm. Minister of State for Children and Youth Affairs, Mr. Barry Andrews, TD, will present awards to the recipients at the ceremony.

The Award recognises and celebrates the achievements of Travellers of all ages from across the country who have completed their Junior Certificate, Leaving Certificate, O and A Level examinations in 2009.  One hundred and one students will be presented with medals and certificates of achievement to signify the importance of fully accessing and participating in education.  Dublin City Council co-sponsored the awards and are fully supportive of the work Exchange House has done with this programme.

“Today’s awards are a wonderful opportunity to highlight the benefits of formal education and to celebrate the significance of what you have all achieved both individually and collectively for the Traveller community.  Your studies will greatly enhance and positively impact on your future endeavours and open new horizons and possibilities for each and every one of the recipients here today.  I congratulate you for your diligence, commitment and dedication to your studies”

Director of Exchange House Travellers Service, Heydi Foster said

“The Award was created with the intention of highlighting the educational success of Travellers and to create a positive impact in the wider community”