Kilkenny Traveller Community Movement Community Development Project
The Traveller Voice is Key
The Kilkenny Traveller Community Movement CDP was established in response to the needs of Travellers in Kilkenny including the lack of representation, health issues, including low life expectancy, suicide and infant mortality rates, unemployment, literacy issues and issues associated with education.
In existence since 1998, support from the Community Development Programme means that the organisation has independent, consistent funding for the first time. A key area of work for KTCM will be to develop young Traveller voice and leadership and to establish its own premises.
Using a community development approach, the project will:
- Provide a supportive environment for all Travellers in County Kilkenny
- Work together to improve the lives of the Traveller community
- Create an environment for Travellers to work together and participate
- Support groups around the county to develop and encourage Traveller participation and leadership
- Link Travellers into opportunities for education, training, and employment
- Promote the inclusion of Travellers and their culture
- Encourage Travellers to network with other Traveller families, communities, and organisations in a relationship of mutual respect, openness and dignity
- Improve Traveller representation on relevant agencies and committees
- Improve access to accommodation for Travellers
- Improve Traveller representation on relevant agencies and committees
- Improve access to accommodation for Travellers