As an individual closely connected to the rich and unique cultures of Romani Gypsy and Irish Travellers, I am deeply offended by the recent guidance issued by the Department for Education, which refers to children from these communities as ‘mobile children.’

The guidance categorizes students of ‘no fixed abode,' who may miss school while their parents are ‘travelling during the course of their trade or business,’ under this term.

This label trivializes these children’s identities and neglects to respect their unique heritage. 

Romani Gypsy, and Irish Traveller children are not simply ‘mobile’; they are bursting with rich cultural backgrounds and deserve to be recognized and respected as such.

The introduction of this new terminology does nothing but marginalize these children further, making them uncomfortable by forcing them into a category that fails to reflect their identity.

 It's essential to recognize each child for who they are - they are not ‘mobile children,’ they are Romani Gypsies, they are Irish Travellers, they are proud carriers of their distinct heritages and champions of their own stories.

This is a personal call to action because the harm inflicted by this label extends beyond bureaucratic categorization; it seeps into the hearts of these children, threatening their pride in their identities.

It's high time that the heritage and cultures of these children are appreciated rather than diminished.

These children, like all others, deserve to have their identities respected and protected. 

Let us stand together against this insensitive labeling and call for the acknowledgement of the unique cultural backgrounds of Romani Gypsy, and Irish Traveller pupils.

Please sign this petition to pressure the Department for Education to reject the label 'mobile children' and recognize these children for who they truly are.