Celebrate Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month this June!

What is Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month? 

"Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month celebrates the rich and diverse ways that Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities add to the vibrancy of life in the UK and recognises the varied contributions that these communities have made to British society historically and today." 

GRTHM offers an opportunity not only to celebrate, but also to educate and raise awareness of the barriers and issues affecting Gypsy Roma and Traveller communities. 

This year, we will be exploring the theme of "Who Inspires You?", By the end, we hope you'll have gained a deeper understanding of the richness of Romany Gypsy, Roma and Irish Traveller people's histories, cultures and traditions.  

The theme encourages identifying individuals who have made a difference, showcasing the positive impact of GRT people on society.  It invites children to share their stories of inspiration, highlighting not only famous but also everyday people within Romany Gypsy, Roma, Irish Traveller, and other related communities, recognising and celebrating the contributions of individuals who may not be in the spotlight, such as family members, friends, or community members.    

Friends, Families and Travellers have produced teaching resources for this theme (see below) which they have renamed this year as 'GRT Heroes Month'. 

The GRT Service will be working with schools and their GRT children and young people to support this with culturally reflective activities including identifying and writing about GRT 'Heroes' who inspire us, setting up displays and planning assemblies.  

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate! 

What can we do as a school? 

We know schools are busy and that many schools do celebrate Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month each year, so we have prepared the following resources to support you. 

Who Inspires You KS1 & 2     Who Inspires You KS3 

These power points focus on Gypsy Roma Traveller community members who have made positive contributions to society.  Schools can use as many slides as they would like for a whole school activity for an assembly or in class introducing this year's theme. 

The GRT Service have produced Padlets that provide culturally reflective activities for schools that can be used not just during History Month but over the school year to  embed GRT history and culture into their curriculums, adding diversity to teaching and learning.  Cultural loan boxes can also be provided to enhance your teaching. 

Schools may also find the following helpful:  

For Years 4 - 6, join with Romany storyteller Richard O'Neill MBE and songwriter George Hoyle and a selection of unique, exciting and original stories through song. This will be held on Tuesday 10th June at 9.30am - 10.30am on Microsoft Teams.  To take part please sign up here:  

Friends, Families and Travellers have produced an Educational Pack for schools including  a downloadable timeline of significant dates in GRT history, 5 ways your classroom can join in with  GRTHM 2025, suggested activities for different age groups, and guidance on marking GRTHM such as books to read, activities to try and what to watch, and, lastly, a competition asking children across the UK to think about who inspires them and why, and to think creatively when considering the theme, songs, poems, drawings, anything creative will be accepted!        

Deadline 1st July, entries should be sent to comms@gypsy-traveller.org 

The GRT Service hope you all enjoy celebrating this year's GRT 'Heroes' Month!  

For further information, please email sendandinclusiontraining@norfolk.gov.uk.