Through celebration, education and raising awareness, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller history month (GRTHM) helps to raise awareness of these communities and their contributions to society, and to offset negative stereotyping and prejudices. GRTHM takes place every June but these resources can be used at anytime of the year to support awareness of Traveller history and culture.
We are eager to support schools to celebrate and positively raise awareness of the Traveller history, culture and heritage during Traveller History Month and to disseminate information on positive Gypsy, Roma and Traveller contributions to British Society.
Presentation about GRT month to be used in assembly or as part of PSHE lessons.
We are able to support schools by:
- Helping you plan events and activities for the classroom.
- Providing a list of resources on our website that can be used during the month.
- Delivering assemblies and lessons to raise awareness of the Traveller culture.
- Raise staff awareness of the Traveller culture to staff through various CPD opportunities.
- Help you be aware of your school population and how Traveller friendly your school is.
- Link the Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month to school Inclusion/Race Equality agenda
- Help your understanding of current Gypsy, Roma and Traveller issues
- Signposting to organisations and charities for additional support and advice.
Contact Ellen Tout for further information and support: ellen.tout@devon.gov.uk | 07977606931
This year’s theme is “What does ‘family mean to you?”
An opportunity to look at the different forms family can take – whether it’s parents, grandparents, siblings, neighbours or friends. It’s no secret of the importance of family for many Romany, Irish Traveller, Roma and nomadic communities and people – whether by choice or otherwise, family holds a sacred place.
This year, we’re exploring the theme of “What does family mean to you?”, looking at the different shapes and forms ‘family’ can take, the relationships we have with each other, and the importance of family as a support network.
By taking part in GRTHM 2024, we hope you’ll have gained a deeper understanding of the richness of Romany Gypsy, Irish Traveller, Roma and nomadic people, histories, cultures and traditions. We also hope this theme will resonate with your own exploration of what family means to you, related or otherwise.
GRTHM Competition 2024
This year’s theme is “What does ‘family’ mean to you?”, looking at the different forms family can take – whether it’s parents, grandparents, siblings, neighbours or friends. a prompt we invite schools to answer in their own creative way, whether it’s a written piece, poetry, art, sculpture, or even a video!
Email your entry to ellen.tout@devon.gov.uk with the heading GRTHM competition, and tell us your name, age and the name of your school.
The prizes: Not only will the winning and runner-up entries be featured in our EDEAS newsletter, but they will also feature on the Devon County Council website, which is seen by over a 20 thousand people! The winners will win a collection of books for their school.
GRT art focus
Gabi Jimenez lives and works in France. He is a French, Spanish Romani painter who has exhibited his paintings throughout France and Europe. He works to help people understand racism suffered by travellers in France. Take a look at this PowerPoint file in which Gabi Jimenez demonstrates how he creates his art.
GRT history month focus on author Richard O’Neill
To celebrate GRT history month, our School Library Service has prepared an author focus on Richard O’Neill, Storyteller, Author, and Playwright.
Richard O’Neill was born and brought up in a large traditional, fully nomadic Romani Gypsy family, travelling throughout the North of England and Scotland. His roots are also to be found in the coal mining communities of the Northeast having family members who worked down the pits. This co-cultural upbringing is reflected in his creative work. As Richard says, ’Gypsy in my heart and coal dust in my veins’.
Storytelling has been a constant in Richard’s life for as long as he can remember. Learning his craft sat round campfires at the feet of some of the best Travelling and North Country storytellers, he developed a passion for story.
Richard has had several children’s storybooks published, winning literary, cultural and diversity awards in the UK, Europe and USA, including being awarded National Literacy Hero status for his work with excluded communities.
Download a pdf file list of Richard’s book titles, all of which may be purchased from the School Library Service. Please contact us for more information.
GRTS booklists for 2024
Check out the DSLS book lists for this year’s theme.
GRT history websites
- Traveller’s Times – GRT History Month
- Friends, Families and Travellers history month resources
- GRT assembly pack
- Open Society Foundations – Gypsy, Roma, Travellers – an animated history
- Traveller’s Times – memories of Appleby Fair
- Amnesty activities_-_Travellers rights
- Holocaust Memorial Trust – GRT History Month – the story of Europe’s nomads