The path from leaving school early to walking across the stage at South East Technological University (SETU) to receive their degrees represents a full circle moment for four members of the Traveller community.
Personal achievement
Karen Riley, Anna Connors, Mary Lou McInerney and Margaret Connors, all education and community development workers with Mincéirí Port Láirge, graduated from SETU on Friday with a BA in Community Education and Development. Their educational journey tells a story of determination, solidarity, and breaking barriers.
Karen Riley, who began her studies through a Level 5 Leadership and Training Initiative in Community Development at a local training initiative (LTI), says she never imagined graduating from university.
“I'm very proud of myself, and I'm very proud of all of us as a group,” she said, “Individually, I don’t think we would have got here. We supported one another through it all; we were a shoulder to lean on.”
For Anna and Margaret Connors, the degrees represent more than personal achievement. They hope their success will inspire others. “I'm the first person in my family to even do the Leaving Cert. So, the fact that we have a degree now, I hope, will represent a stepping stone for the next generation that we never had,” said Anna.
Road to graduation
The road to graduation was far from easy. Balancing study, work, and family life posed real challenges for all four women. “To think of it now - we did the work and we finished our degrees. Looking back, I don’t know how we did it,” Margaret recalled.
Margaret also reflected on the courage it took to step into a university environment as a Traveller woman. “We were putting ourselves out there among a large number of people from the settled community. It was a really nice group to be involved in, but at times it was hard. A few years ago, I would have said no, I wouldn’t have gone into a large group, but now I’m delighted I did,” she said.
Thrilled to have graduated, Mary Lou said, “I’m just so delighted we got there. It was hard trying to juggle college, work, home, and family life. Without the support from Mincéirí and SETU, I don’t think I would have been able to do it. I’m so happy I did, and I hope to continue with education and learning in the future.”
Completing the degree has brought everything full circle for the women. “Now we’re going back to the classes at SETU and educating students on Travellers and Traveller children,” said Karen. “Through my role, I also provide a link between parents and teachers in schools. It’s nice to give back to our community, that’s important.”
As part of their roles, Anna, Mary Lou and Margaret co-founded the Brighter Futures Club, an initiative promoting Traveller culture and education in schools across Waterford.
“We started off doing one school a week. Now we’re doing nine schools, reaching around 120 students. We teach them about Traveller history, culture, and the importance of education and the different pathways you can take,” Anna explained.
Seeing the impact of that work first-hand has been deeply rewarding for Margaret who said, “To know that you’re making a difference with young people, and especially as Traveller women is amazing.”
Support network
The women credit a strong network of support from family to mentors, educators, and the SETU Access Office team with helping them achieve their goals. Anna praised SETU’s commitment to accessibility, saying, “SETU is unbelievably good. I can honestly say that only for all the support, I wouldn’t have been able to do it. Now, when parents come to us, we’re able to help them on their journey too.”
Their graduation marks not only a personal milestone but also new possibilities for future generations. “We’re just trying to make better lives for our families and our children. We’re all mothers too,” said Karen.
Their women’s achievements were also recognised this month at the National Education Achievement Awards in Dublin.
This year, a total of eight Traveller women and men graduated from SETU across a range of disciplines. Congratulating the students, Paul Bennett from the SETU Access Office said: “This is a momentous occasion, representing a huge milestone in their educational journey, one that I hope will continue. It’s a day of celebration for each of the graduates and their families. These are the change-makers who have overcome many challenges and systemic barriers along the way.
“Anna, Karen, Mary Lou, and Margaret are now empowering others through their amazing work with Mincéirí Port Láirge, who SETU is proud to support. Through this partnership, we’ve seen real and impactful change in education in Waterford via the Brighter Futures Programme and the development of a new literacy support programme for young Traveller children.”
PATH funding will continue to support this work in partnership with Mincéirí Port Láirge, strengthening networks for Traveller children and parents alike.
“I would personally like to congratulate all our graduates here today and wish them the very best in their future endeavours,” Mr Bennett added.
