| LDSIP - Traveller Initiative |
 |
 |
|
Traveller Initiative Project Dungarvan Background In July 2006 funding was secured to commence skills work with Traveller Men in The Development Worker contacted the Traveller Men in Co. Waterford. A meeting was held in Dungarvan CDP between Traveller Men, Waterford Leader Partnership and the Development Worker. At this meeting Traveller Men were encouraged to have an input and say in the planning and progression of this unit. It was agreed that they would work for 20 hours per week and would receive the Back to Education funding for same. Premises There was a delayed in the commencement of the project because premises were difficult to find. By late Autumn a premises, funded through the Cohesion Funds, was found with great difficulty. In December 2006 the doors opened on this unit. Once the premises were opened the Traveller Men made the kitchen units and prepared the work tables, etc. and the training unit. This piece of work gave the men an ownership of the premises. Participants At present 6 to 8 men access the Project on a weekly basis. Work commences at 9.30am to 1.30pm. In the beginning the Traveller Men found the commitment of 5 days and being confined to indoors very difficult. Now that the Project is up and running with 7 months some of the men are adjusting to this new venture in their lives. Evaluation to date 3 Traveller men have applied for their driving theory test and one man haspassed his driving theory test for the C licence. The men have learned new skills especially in woodwork and literacy, work discipline, work practice, health and safety and commitment to the Programme.   Examples of project work undertaken One Traveller Man has built a traditional flat cart, even the wheels! See photograph opposite. 
|
|||
| Last Updated on Thursday, 25 September 2008 14:14 |
