A chara, - Congratulations on the interesting article on young Travellers by Anne Dempsey (Features, June 24th). She highlighted a 90 per cent drop-out rate among young Travellers attending mainstream second-level schools. As teachers in a Junior Education Centre, a targeted initiative for Travellers aged 12 to 16 who have not transferred to, or have dropped out of, mainstream primary and second-level education, we are fully aware of the figures she cites. Indeed the figures themselves, because they are averages, may hide an almost zero success rate in some areas, offset by higher rates in others.
The article also refers to the increasing number of young Travellers taking drugs, which was uncommon a few years ago. This can lead them into homelessness and criminal activity as they drift further and further into the more negative "culture" of the settled population and school becomes the last thing on their minds.
As one of the units trying to improve participation in post-primary education, we should be fully supported and resourced rather than being constantly told that all young Travellers should be in mainstream second-level schools. The figures speak for themselves. - Is mise,
BERNIE McCLOSKEY, NOREEN O'DONOHUE, St Thomas's Junior Education Centre,Clonshaugh Road, Coolock, Dublin 17.