Origins of the Futures Programme

Leeds Futures Programme

Support for young Gypsies, Roma and Travellers

Logo This Gypsy, Roma and Traveller self-development training programme, ‘Futures’, here in Leeds, will develop the theory and practice of the Dublin Traveller Education group (DTEDG) in the modern context in the UK.

The DTEDG developed an innovative training programme for young Travellers in the 1980’s in Dublin. This programme enabled young Travellers to find out about their place in the world and how they might wish to affect change both individually and for the community. Many of the participants of this programme are now active at a national level in the arts, youth work and equalities in Ireland.

We have researched this programme and adopted the principles behind it and set it in the modern context of the UK and will run a pilot programme involving ten young people from the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) communities.

The Planning and Research

The planning and research period ran from May until August and two students, Phillippa and Helen, from the Occupational Therapy course at Leeds Metropolitan University, supported us doing a lot of research and also interviewing many young people to input their ideas into the planning of the course.

The Programme – Dates, Payment and Content

The training programme will run every Monday and Tuesday for 8 weeks from October 29th to December 18th at the Leeds Metropolitan University main campus.

The programme will pay the GRT young people, who will be 16 plus to early 20’s, £50 per week to attend for two days a week.

The course will involve elements of the DEDG programme, STEPS, life skills, equality and rights issues across the world, the history and achievements of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, goal setting and problem solving, conflict resolution, personal interests, ICT, literacy, the arts and music, voluntary work, education, training and job opportunities and an introduction to the various learning/activity opportunities in the Leeds area.

The Steering Group

We have set up a steering group supported by the two Gypsy and Traveller voluntary agency groups in Leeds: Gypsy and Traveller Exchange (GATE) and Justice for Travellers ; the Library Service; Leeds Art College; South Leeds Health for All and the Traveller Education Service.

The Trainers

The trainers for this course will be from the agencies involved in the project and will also bring in professionals from other agencies as necessary and will be planned and delivered with the active involvement of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.

How this will impact on the five outcomes of 'Every Child Matters'

Being Healthy

The programme should develop the self-esteem of everyone involved and also the benefit of the network and partnerships, which will aid communication and development.

Staying Safe

The programme will develop the awareness of how problems can be addressed and encourage independent learning and activities through a greater knowledge of what is available.

Enjoying and Achieving:The programme will build on the skills and competences of the group and help further develop creativity, communication and develop important skills of presentation and build confidence and self-esteem. These are all tools essential for enjoying and achieving, not only academically, but also socially and they promote emotional development and maturity.

Making a Positive Contribution

We will further raise awareness of the group of the positive achievements of the Gypsy. Roma and Traveller communities and our course will help break down barriers and promote better relationships and help build networks and partnerships.

Achieve Economic Well-being

The skills developed through the course will improve academic and promote social skills vital for progression in life. The ability to share, empathise and be creative are valuable tools to promote well being and strong relationships.

Expected Benefits and Final Report

We hope this pilot programme will be a very successful model for development across Leeds and also benefit other areas and countries.

We will fully document this pilot and the Final Report will be posted on this website by Easter 2008.

Further information

Educational Links

Local and National Educational Organisations

Organisations

Organisations and bodies working for and with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people.

General Links

Art, entertainment and more.

Photo Shoot

See the Futures students on a photo shoot as part of the training programme.

Interim Report

Read how the Pilot Project is progressing.

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GATE - Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange