Young Gypsies Go Online
A new website for young Gypsies and Travellers across Wales has gone live.
The design, content and graphics of Travelling Ahead has been created by young people, with support from Save The Children and the Welsh Assembly Government.
Particularly striking is the colourful banner heading each page, which includes references to what's important to young people in the Gypsy and Traveller community.
"The boys wanted to include boxing and horses," explained one of the young website creators at the launch yesterday in the Senedd, "while the girls wanted to show the importance of our jewellery. We also wanted to show the different places we live as we don't all live in caravans. Some of us live in houses too."
It is estimated that there are between 250,000 and 300,000 traditional Travellers living in Great Britain. As a marginalised section of the population, their young people are at risk from bullying, persecution and myths including an avoidance of taxes and education.
Travelling Ahead allows users to take part in forums, get educated on Gypsy and Traveller culture, share pictures, stories and events, play games and generally keep informed about what's going on.
There is also a section for parents, and a toolkit for professionals working with young Gypsies and Travellers.
For more information, call 029 2039 6838 or email travellingahead@savethechildren.org.uk
