Gypsy, Roma, Traveller history month

Contents

Background

Gypsy Roma and Traveller History Month (GRTHM) was established in Britain in 2008 as a way of raising awareness of these communities and their contributions to society, and to offset negative stereotyping and prejudices.
The aims of the GRTHM are to:

Promote knowledge of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History, Cultural and Heritage
Disseminate information on positive Gypsy, Roma and Traveller contributions to British Society
Heighten the confidence and awareness of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people to their cultural heritage
Celebrate Gypsy, Roma and Traveller culture and heritage

Gypsy, Roma and Traveller history month takes place every June and is a fantastic opportunity for schools to review their policies relating to students
from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller background. It is also a great time to both learn and raise awareness amongst students and staff about the challenges facing Gypsy, Roma Traveller pupils as well as celebrate the positive contributions and stories from the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.

How to get involved

Look at the resources that have been complied on the EDEAS webpage
Can you research famous people from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller backgrounds? Why are they famous and what have they contributed? Some suggestions: Charlie Chaplin, Bob Hoskins, Elvis Presley, David
Essex OBE, Keith Duffy, Shayne Ward, Cher Lloyd, Michael Caine, Joaquín
Cortés, Lívia Járóka, José Antonio Reyes, Harri Stojka, Ceija Stojka, Iva Bittová, Pablo Picasso.
Listen to traditional music:
Hungarian Gypsy Music
Balkan Gypsy Music
Use the School Library Service author study on Richard O’Neill, who was born and brought up in a large traditional, fully nomadic Romani Gypsy family, travelling throughout the North of England and Scotland.
Ask your Gypsy, Roma, Traveller advisory teacher to lead a school assembly to start your celebrations
Take part in the EDEAS Traveller month competition on our website

Good practice when promoting GRTHM in your school

Ensure that you are aware of your school population
Link the Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month to school Inclusion/Race Equality agenda
Raise staff awareness through a planning group. Involve pupils in planning process. Involve parents, local community, and governors
Gather information, and ensure you are aware of current Gypsy, Roma and Traveller issues
Plan events and activities
Contact local Gypsy, Roma, Traveller agencies for additional support and guidance

Finally…

It’s important to acknowledge that having a single celebratory month does not negate the need to tackle prejudice, stereotyping and bullying at all times or to include Gypsy, Roma, Traveller history and culture, or that of any other group, throughout the whole curriculum.
Gypsy, Roma, Traveller history month provides a brilliant opportunity for schools to review how inclusive their curriculum is and make a good start at including and celebrating Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.