Lord Mayor of Dublin, Eibhlin Byrne will launch the Exchange House Educational Achievement Award for Travellers on Friday 14th November 2008 at 5pm in Dublin City Council Atrium, Wood Quay, Dublin 8.

Fifty-one students including many young people will be presented with medals and certificates of achievement. The award has been established to acknowledge the significant achievements of the many Travellers who are now fully accessing and participating in education.  Dublin City Council co-sponsored the awards and are fully supportive of the work Exchange House have done with this programme.

“I want to congratulate all recipients of this award on their personal success in achieving this award.  This award highlights the importance of education in our society.  Education is the gateway that opens many exciting opportunities for all who make it part of their lives” said the Lord Mayor. 

“Today’s award recipients are role models for the wider community.  As well as giving great pride to their families and communities, their example shows what can be achieved on a wider scale with sufficient support and encouragement” said the Director of Exchange House, Heydi Foster.

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Notes to the Editor:

• In 2006 the numbers enrolled was 2,317 compared to 1,165 in 2000.
• In the same year 7,771 Traveller students were enrolled in our primary schools – twice the cohort enrolled two decades ago.
• These students are supported by over 500 resource teachers and other back up services and agencies in schools.
• The school completions projects are engaging and helping young people and their families to make the transitions to post-primary level and supporting young people to completing schooling.
• Increasing numbers of Travellers are engaged in education in a range of alternative centres such as senior Travellers Training Centres, Youthreach and FAS programmes.
• Noted increase in third level participation