Our Mission
Education is a key factor in determining social, economic, and health outcomes. Travellers experience very high levels of educational disadvantage that contribute to high levels of inequality in health, employment, housing and other quality of life measures. The mission of the Peer Education Project is for Traveller children to remain in school and achieve the best possible educational outcomes with the long term aim of reducing inequalities in later life. The Peer Education team works to support both schools and parents to overcome obstacles faced by Travellers in Primary and Post-Primary schools.
Who We Are
The Peer Education Team is part of a partnership between Kerry Travellers Health & Community Development Project and local education agencies. Together, we form the Kerry Interagency Traveller Education Forum (KITE), working collectively to improve educational outcomes for Traveller children across Kerry.
What We Do
Supporting Traveller Parents
We work directly with Traveller parents to:
o Identify and address challenges affecting their children’s education
o Improve access to financial supports and school‑related entitlements
o Build confidence and skills through group programmes in:
o Personal development
o Managing conflict
o Advocacy
o Strengthen communication between home and school
o Ensure parents understand the rights of Traveller children in education
Partnering With Schools
We collaborate with schools to:
o Increase understanding of Traveller culture
o Deliver Traveller Culture Awareness Sessions
o Improve communication between schools and Traveller families
o Support enrolment, transitions, attendance, and parent–school relationships
Our Journey
In 2021–2022, 14 Traveller women completed an education and mentoring programme at MTU, graduating in February 2023 with a Certificate in Mentoring in Education.
From this group, seven women successfully completed the recruitment process and are now employed as Peer Educators with Kerry Travellers Health & Community Development Project.
Funding & Future Development
The project is funded by the Department until the end of 2026. We are actively working toward securing long‑term, sustainable funding to continue and expand this vital work.
Our Team
Contact Office : 0667120054
Coordinator
Christina O Brien – Christinakthcdp@gmail.com
Mob:0873642125
Team Members
Joanne Quilligan – joannekthcdp@gmail.com
Caitriona Quilligan – caitrionakthcdp@gmail.com
Katie Coffey – katiekthcdp@gmail.com
Rosemarie Quilligan – rosemariekthcdp@gmail.com
Margaret Rose O’Brien – margaretrosekthcdp@gmail.com
