Problems at School

PROBLEMS AT
SCHOOL

There is a common misunderstanding that Travellers do not like school or that Travellers see no value in education. This is not true. Many Travellers do finish school and leave with a good education and go on to college or further education and training. It is important to try and finish secondary education and if you are having problems in school to try and get help with these problems. Everyone worries about problems in school from time to time. School can be a time of pressure between exams, school work, friendships and other things that might happen. There is support available to help you with problems you are having. It is important to get help for any issues you are facing.

School can be a very stressful time – there is a lot of pressure around exams, subjects, relationships with teachers and friends. Sometimes we can feel looked at or treated differently because of being a Traveller. If you are feeling very anxious or worried about school it can impact you in the following ways:

Feeling pains in your tummy or your head
Feeling quiet in the classroom or around your classmates
Feeling stressed and worried a lot about school
Feeling like you want to avoid school
Feeling like you are not liked by the others in your class/school

If you are feeling this way you need to talk to someone like a parent, teacher or school counsellor. There are other services you can also speak to – check out the list under Services and Supports.

Different Traveller families have different opinions about the need to finish school. Some experiences other young Travellers have had is that they would like to stay in school but are encouraged to think about leaving school to focus on their marriage. You might be facing a similar situation and feel worried or under pressure about this.

It is important that you talk to your parents about what your feelings really are and then together come up with a solution that suits you all.
For example, but you might want to finish school and go to college but feel you would be happy to get married after.
Try and let them know what you want and come to an agreement on what is best for you.

Sometimes other Travellers can have an influence on us. If your friends have left school and are encouraging you to do the same this can make you feel confused or stressed about what to do. The important thing to remember is that you should do what is right for you and if you want to stay in school and finish your education that is the right thing to do. Sometimes you may also have problems with your friendships and feel picked on or left out. This can be a very tough experience and it is normal to feel upset or lonely. You can try to speak to your friends about it. If nothing changes try to spend time with different friends or make new friends.

Lots of people have experienced bullying. Some Travellers have experienced bullying in school and bullying comes in lots of different forms – for example for where you live or how you speak. It is important that you know bullying is never right and you should not tolerate it. There is help available. First speak to your parents and let them know what is happening. Then speak to your school teacher and principal about the issue.

Lots of teachers are not aware of Traveller culture and traditions. Some Travellers have experienced being treated differently or poorly by teachers. Poor treatment by the school or teacher is never right. You do not have to put up with it. If you have any questions about how you are being treated speak with your parents, contact your local Traveller organisation or education support service for more help and support.