BBC Children in Need fund 6 Gypsy and Traveller site projects in South Wales

Isaac Blake Director for the Romani Cultural and Arts Company said: “This project is close to my heart knowing how artistically barren these sites can be. But using arts I found a way to engage with children and young people.”

One of the most important aims of the Romani Cultural and Arts Company is to change the future through our work with children & young people and so we are delighted to confirm a grant of nearly £96,000 from BBC Children in Need, working with the Gypsy & Traveller Communities in South Wales. The project is will engage with children & young people on 6 Gypsy and Traveller sites across South Wales over a three year period. Its purpose is to:

bring arts-based projects to children & young people in Gypsy and Traveller communities

build confidence; and support local communities (working with local community groups etc) to take responsibility for the continuation of activities for children started under this project

The Romani Cultural and Arts Company believes that work with children & young people from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller backgrounds needs to use:

Role models – to raise aspirations

Story telling – to relay the history and culture where children & young people are unaware, but also to offer children & young people the opportunity to tell their stories and record the things that are important to them – for example through photography, video, poetry and prose and by contributing to Gypsy, Roma, Traveller History Month or by publishing their work on the internet

Arts based projects to allow forms of personal expression for children & young people who may be less comfortable using words, especially the written word.

Keith Towler, Children’s Commissioner for Wales, said: “The work Isaac and the team are undertaking to improve the lives of Gypsy and Traveller children and young people is critical. Their energy and creativity is pretty impressive and the way in which they attempt to integrate communities across south Wales is to be warmly welcomed. I wish them well in their efforts to develop the skills and build the confidence of these often vulnerable children and young people.”

The partners behind the project also include Cardiff Traveller Education Service and The Black Voluntary Sector Network Wales.

The Romani Cultural and Arts Company is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites.

 

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