Offaly Traveller Movement Youth Project
Offaly Traveller Movement (OTM) youth project offers a vibrant and dedicated space for young Travellers to access informal education, social support, and personal development opportunities. With a focus on culturally-appropriate service provision, OTM youth project provides a safe and inclusive platform for young people aged 10 and over.
We promote youth development and use approaches that foster the creativity of young Travellers in County Offaly. Our youth initiatives strive to foster a collaborative relationship with young Travellers, empowering them to take an active role in community decision-making while also providing them with a social and recreational outlet. We employ innovative and interactional approaches to promote inclusivity within our young community and focus on challenging discrimination in society. Through various creative mediums such as poetry, song, film, art, and photography, we consistently spread our message and raise awareness of the importance of inclusivity.
OTM youth project operates under the UBU Your Space, Your Place, scheme, which is administered by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Under this framework our work with Traveller young people is underpinned by three key development outcome areas: Creativity and Imagination, Confidence and Agency, and Resilience and Determination. By focusing on these areas, we aim to provide a supportive and empowering environment that helps young people to grow and thrive.
OTM provides a youth service during out-of-school hours, including a drop-in youth café on Saturdays. Our services include information, advice, advocacy, educational support, and youth activities. Our goal is to provide a supportive and engaging environment that meets the needs of young Travellers in our community. Through our programs, we engage and empower Traveller youth to become active members of their communities. We aim to raise awareness and promote understanding of the challenges faced by young Travellers, while also nurturing their self-esteem and building their confidence.
