Books on Roma and Traveller children’s experiences in Cork launched

TWO new children’s books have been published detailing the lives and experiences of Traveller and Roma children living in Cork.

Kids’ Own Publishing Partnership, with Cork Traveller Visibility Group, Tusla Education Support Service, and the Cork STAR project have launched Grow Up Strong and The Real Us.

Developed over 12 weeks of creative sessions, children and young people from both communities worked with Kids’ Own associate artists and writers to produce stories and artwork that offer an insight into their lives and what is important to them.

The young people’s creative process included telling their own stories about their lives and experiences as well as creating beautiful artwork.

Beckham Rostas, 12, of North Presentation Primary School in Blackpool, was one of many Roma children who were involved in the making of The Real Us.

Present for the launch of the children’s book at Nano Nagle Place yesterday, Beckham spoke to The Echo about his favourite part of the project, his experience with education to date, and his hopes for the impact of the book on other children.

“I didn’t start school until I was 8, because I was on holidays,” he said.

“When my mom asked me if I wanted to go to school, I said: ‘Yeah, sure’. Sometimes it’s hard, but sometimes it’s easy. [I hope] people can read the book and be happy, so they can learn more about stuff like [the Roma community]. My favourite part of the project was the clay — I made a lot of faces that just came to my head.”

Beckham was joined by his brother, Comisari Rostas, 11, who was present at the launch to show his support, alongside teacher and homeschool community liaison officer Maura Coleman, who said: “The STAR project has been really beneficial for the children of the Roma and Travelling communities alike. It gave them the confidence to realise that their story, life, and culture matters.”

Also present at the launch was Independent councillor Kieran McCarthy, Lord Mayor of Cork, who said: “These books have so much to offer about the importance of people’s voices, listening to people and bringing people together.

“Thank you so much to the young people for taking us on a journey. You’ve created a fantastic story, and these stories matter.”