LIVERPOOL GTRSB EDUCATION: MOVING TOGETHER
In 2023, Liverpool John Moores University signed the Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showmen, and Boater Pledge (GTRSB) into the Higher Education Pledge.
In 2024 St Hughs Primary School, St Francis Assisi, Archbishop Blanch and Liverpool City College were the first to sign the GRSB Pledge in the Northwest of England. In 2023, Liverpool John Moores University signed the Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showmen, and Boater Pledge (GTRSB) into the Higher Education Pledge.
Initially designed by Buckinghamshire New University, the pledge started its implementation in higher education in 2019. LJMU signed the GTRSB pledge to improve access, retention, and outcomes in education for Gypsies, Travellers, Roma, Showmen, and Boaters.
The pledge that can be found here focuses on four key areas:
- Data Collection
- Organisational & Institutional Culture,
- Outreach
- Inclusion, Celebration & Commemoration
The pledge signatories encouraged and supported by this project signify a dedicated effort to create an inclusive environment and support the educational needs of GTRSB students of all ages. Signing the pledge fosters a more inclusive educational environment, including developing an inclusive curriculum and promoting cultural awareness. Moreover, it addresses GTRSB students’ specific challenges, such as providing necessary support and resources. It also Promotes awareness and understanding of GTRSB cultures and histories through educational initiatives and events and encourages respect and appreciation for diversity.
Each institution has also provided a dedicated testimony when signing the pledge; this can be found here, alongside their schools and colleges’ mission statements. Their written testimonies have much in common as they commit to meeting the needs of our GTRSB community; to building a community without prejudice where GTRSB pupils can flourish, thrive and shine.
Celebration of Liverpool GTRSB
On 17 June 2024, Liverpool John Moore’s University (LJMU) hosted a GTRSB Celebration Event, which attracted over 200 attendees. The event aimed to bring together students, community members, educational institutions, and local authorities to celebrate the achievements of GTRSB students and community members. Additionally, it sought to raise awareness of GTRSB issues within the broader academic and local communities. The event also provided a platform to strengthen the network between educational institutions, local authorities, and the GTRSB community, fostering collaborative efforts to address the challenges and opportunities the GTRSB community faces. The event also served as a clear marker for the institutions that had signed the pledge to promote their commitment to the communities.
The future
Education is fundamental to success and an area of challenge for this community and those supporting them. Our goal is to support schools in creating an inclusive and supportive environment for GTRSB pupils, enhancing their educational outcomes and overall well-being. Continued efforts and collaboration between schools, families, councils and community organisations are essential to achieve this goal.
If you would like to learn more about the Pledge and/or get involved in supporting education for Liverpool GTRSB Community please contact either Dr Patricia Jolliffe ([email protected]) or Dr Helen Collins ([email protected]).
