The National Executive of Britains largest education union has adopted a resolution opposing racism and hostility towards Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and seeking ways education can be used to challenge and reverse it.

a. Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities

Proposer: Dominic Byrne Seconder: Louise Regan

The Executive notes that Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) communities continue to face an ever increasing climate of racism and hostility.

We note The Police and Crime Bill, in criminalising the nomadic way of life, is adding to the social exclusion and racism faced by the GRT community.

We stand in solidarity with GRT communities and oppose all anti-GRT racism.

We recognise that there is still much more to do in the fight against anti-GRT racism in Education. A recent study by The Traveller Movement found that one in five Traveller pupils felt they had to leave school due to bullying and two thirds of those surveyed felt bullied by their teachers. GRT children are excluded from school disproportionately compared to other ethnic groups. In addition to this, Gypsies and Travellers are 10 times less likely to go to university than their peers and fair worst in terms of educational attainment.

As with all discrimination, education is at the heart of challenging it. The NEU has a long history of standing in solidarity with the oppressed and using our skill as educators to challenge racism in all its forms.

We call on the executive to:

1. Work with the GRT community and organisations to produce educational resources to be shared with members, so they can be used in schools and colleges to raise awareness and challenge discrimination.

2. To continue to oppose the Police and Crime Bill and actively support Gypsy, Roma and Traveller led demonstrations against the Bill such as “Drive to Survive”.

3. To work to influence government, opposition parties and local education, to provide funding, issue guidance and offer training to enable schools to develop policies and practices to address the continuing educational disadvantage of these children.

4. To keep pupils from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities high on the Union agenda particularly in all publications relating to inclusion and equality, racism and bullying.

5. To actively seek ways to increase the recruitment of school staff from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller ethnic groups and provide appropriate support to encourage their retention in the workforce

6. To make a commitment to providing training to build the confidence and ability of teachers to support these pupils.

7. To review NEU publications/guidance etc, to make sure that in relevant placesnthese groups are explicitly included.

8. For the NEU to affiliate nationally to the Advisory Council for the Education of Romany and other Travellers (ACERT) and Friends, Families and Travellers.

An exciting day conference for parents and educators exploring ways of improving opportunities for Gypsy Roma and Traveller Young people

Fri, 1 October 2021
10:00 – 16:30 BST

Friends’ Meeting House
6 Mount Street
Manchester
M2 5NS

This one day conference will target education professionals and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller parents. Richard O’Neill will chair a lively day of presentations and discussions on school and community initiatives that widen opportunities and raise expectations.

After a difficult eighteen months our aim is that the tone of the day will be optimistic. Through sharing ideas and experiences we aim to inspire practical ways forward in the current context.

We want all participants to find this an accessible event. This event is costing ACERT £40 per person. We have set a Standard Ticket price for all who can afford it but if this is beyond you, please make the best donation you can. A buffet lunch and refreshments are provided throughout the day.

We are keen to include parents interested in being part of a parent support network and to identify ways in which ACERT can back them in getting a better deal for their children.

Presentations/Workshops so far agreed include:

• Selina Costello and Janine Lowther (Darlington TEAS) workshop on Raising the career aspirations of Gypsies, Roma and Travellers on a shoestring
• Duke’s Theatre Lancaster and Lancashire EM/ GRT Achievement Service presentation about the Our Voice project with young women
• Ermina Kesedzic and parent worker Juraj from St Edmunds Nursery, Bradford, on work with Roma parents and communities
• Olivia Hammond, Alternative pathways to success
• Natalie Stables, Traveller wagon project
• Harriet Crossley and Roma families from Bowling Park Primary – Inclusion during the pandemic
• Juice Vamosi from KaskoSan Roma Charity
• Ollie Petrovic – Identity, Best Friends.

Wednesday 23rd June 12.45 – 1.45pm 

Our Romano Drom

A history of the 1971 London World Romani Congress

Written and narrated by Grattan Puxon, Romani activist and general-secretary of the 1971 Congress.

Produced and edited by Ioana Constantinescu for the 8 April 2021 Jubilee celebrations organised by the Jubilee London Committee.

Using archive footage and photographs, Grattan takes us through the 60’s in Ireland where he became involved in Traveller issues, to the UK early campaigns against evictions, the setting up of the Gypsy Council and the lead up to the 1971 Congress in London.

Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month Celebration 24th June, 6-8pm  

This virtual 2-part event, hosted by Mena Mongan, will be an opportunity to come together to celebrate the rich culture and heritage of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities through discussion, music and stories.

6pm – 6.50pm – Panel Discussion

The event will begin with a short panel discussion on the impact of the proposed Policing and Crime Bill on the culture and lives of Gypsies and Travellers in the UK.

7pm – 8pm – Celebration

This will be followed by an exciting mix of musical performances and presentations, including..

• Nile Rice, writer and journalist from Paddington
• Ando Glaso Collective
• Marian and Co
• Bridging Sounds Orchestra

And many more…