New Educational Guide Launched to Support Traveller Students Transitioning to Post-Primary School

Munster Technological University Kerry Campus, Ireland – 1st April 2025 – A new information booklet, A Tome Booklet for Traveller Students Misilin to Post Primary School, has been launched to support Traveller students and their families in navigating the transition from primary to post-primary education. The booklet provides essential information on enrolment, educational rights, available supports, and pathways to education and employment.

This booklet was developed by Katie Coffey, one of the Traveller Liaison Officers in Munster Technological University.  “From when I first started in MTU, I always wanted to work with students in 6th class going into secondary school, as this is when they need the most support. We are proud to use our Cant language in the title of this booklet.  ‘Tome’ means ‘good’ and ‘misilin’ means ‘going’” says Katie.

This booklet aims to provide Traveller students with the necessary information to successfully progress through the school system and beyond. The booklet includes practical advice on school admissions, open days, student support services, and information about further and higher education and apprenticeships.

The booklet also introduces the Traveller Peer Educators service and the Star Pupil Traveller Access to Education Programme, through which students from the Traveller community can avail of mentoring and educational support. These programmes aim to encourage students to stay in school, support academic success, and promote access to further and higher education and employment.

Margaret Rose Quilligan, Chairperson and Peer Education Officer at Kerry Travellers Health and Community Development Project (KTHCDP), highlighted the importance of access to education for the Traveller Community: 

“Things have changed. We now have seven confident Traveller women working as Peer Education Workers. My wish is for the children to go on to third-level education. To achieve this, we need more Traveller representation throughout the whole education system.”

The launch of this booklet marks a significant contribution to improving educational outcomes for Traveller students in County Kerry and beyond. Students, parents, guardians, educators, community members and agencies are encouraged to use this booklet as a resource to ensure every Traveller student has the support and guidance they need to succeed.