Realising the Promise of Education for All
Celebrating the 2026 Traveller Educational Achievement Awards
By Denise Charlton
In September 1967, free secondary education was introduced with a promise of accessible education for all. As we approach the 60th anniversary of that important moment it is an opportunity to reflect on whether the promise and vision of accessible education has been realised.
In reflecting, we can both acknowledge the progress made while also recognising the challenges and barriers to learning that communities continue to face today.
Traveller communities continue to experience persistent inequalities in the classroom, the playground or on the sports pitch. We hear accounts of children being separated from their classmates and given pictures to colour while their friends and classmates are taught English, maths or science. These are not just individual instances, but indications of a system that is not delivering equal opportunity and inclusion for all.
2026 Traveller Educational Achievement Awards
It is in this context that the 2026 Traveller Educational Achievement Awards hold much more significance. Each educational pathway, from the Junior and Leaving Certificates to GCSEs and A-levels to QQI awards to apprenticeships to third-level education and PhDs, requires a huge amount of hard work and dedication to a field of study.
For Traveller learners, behind each award is not only academic or practical work, but determination. The resolve to forge ahead, challenging expectations and overcoming obstacles, even when continuing was difficult or when the education system did not provide the support it should have. This drive and resilience deserves to be celebrated.
However, equal access to education should not depend on a student’s perseverance but by ensuring universal equality of opportunity to thrive.
Education Opens Doors
While these educational achievements often signify a course completed, they do not represent the end of a journey. Education opens doors, strengthens confidence, expands choices and creates opportunities.
It is about equality, participation and voice ensuring that Traveller children and young people can see a future for themselves, while giving adults opportunities to return to learning. More widely it enables Traveller graduates, apprentices, researchers and professionals to bring their knowledge and experience into the institutions and decisions that shape all our lives.
The qualifications achieved can be carried forward into the next chapter, whether that is to further education, employment, leadership, community work or another path entirely.
Renewed Commitment
Ahead of the 60th anniversary of free secondary education next year, let the Awards also be a moment to renew our commitment to ensure every learner is included, supported and has equal opportunity to thrive.
We know of schools, principals and teachers whose ambition and leadership have made their classrooms spaces where everyone can flourish.
There is a role here for Government, educational institutions, funders and wider society as well.
National strategies and commitments matter, but their value is ultimately measured by whether they change people’s experiences and opportunities. The gap between policy and implementation remains a persistent challenge, particularly in education and training.
As Ireland’s philanthropic hub, we work with donors, partners and communities to mobilise strategic philanthropy in ways that advance equality and strengthen communities.
For Community Foundation Ireland, partnership means staying with this work for the long term. Supporting immediate opportunities while also addressing the systems that create inequality. Recognising achievement, investing in leadership and listening to the people closest to the issues.
Partnering with the Traveller community is about listening to lived experience, building long-term relationships and supporting Traveller-led organisations and leadership.
As the 60th anniversary of free secondary education approaches, it is not enough to simply remember the promise made in 1967. The promise must be realised in the experience of every learner.
Denise Charlton is Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland