Traveller and Roma Communities
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) recognises the rights and ambitions of students from Traveller and Roma communities. It is committed to the provision of equitable educational opportunities and access to university education for students from these communities.
Pathways into higher education include direct entry from school, via Access courses, Recognition of Prior Learning, Further Education and Training programmes (including Youthreach, PLC, adult education programmes).
ATU’s Access and Widening Participation Service engage with Traveller and Roma Communities in a variety of settings, encompassed under three pillars, each pillar setting out a range of services and supports to corresponding groups and individuals, as follows:
Other Education Providers
Information at Open Days
Campus visits and taster sessions
Summer camps
Contribution to Transition Programmes
Primary to post-primary; Post-primary to higher education.
Traveller Advocacy Groups (and Other Stakeholders)
Taster sessions, both on-campus and outreached
Information and support applying to accredited programmes
Academic, personal and financial information and supports before and during programmes
Delivery of customised programmes (accredited and unaccredited), both on-campus and outreached
Non-academic supports and services
Traveller and Roma Student Supports (Prospective Students and Registered Students)
Information on financial support including SUSI Grant and 1916 Bursary
One-to-one support throughout studies including learning support, maths support and assessment
Free Access courses
Students can avail of campus sports facilities, career guidance, healthcare, counselling, clubs and societies.
"I honestly think if you want to do it, go for it and don’t let anyone stop you."
Chloe McDonagh, Certificate in Community Development Practice, ATU Mayo campus
“While we face a number of systemic and societal challenges, actually, when you give the Traveller the right conditions, that they can have the same outcomes as anyone else”.
David Friel, Irish Traveller and Lecturer in Social Care at ATU Letterkenny campus
"I would like for someone from my community to get the same experience and acceptance that I got when I came here."
Ellie McDonagh, Certificate in Community Development Practice, ATU Mayo campus
More Information
| Tel. (Donegal, Sligo Leitrim): | +353 (0) 74 9186501 |
| Tel. (Galway/Mayo): | +353 (0) 91 742392 |
| Email (all enquiries): | travellerandroma@atu.ie |
Links
ATU Access Programmes: Access for Higher Education | ATU - Atlantic Technological University
Donegal Travellers Project: donegaltravellersproject.ie
Galway Traveller Movement: gtmtrav.ie
Irish Traveller Movement: itmtrav.ie
Pavee Point: paveepoint.ie
Sligo Traveller Support Group: http://stsg.ie/
Travellers Voice: https://www.travellersvoice.ie/