STAR: Supporting Traveller and Roma in Creative Youth
- Published on: 4 February 2026
- Last updated on: 4 February 2026
The STAR pilot project was established in 2019 under the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy (NTRIS) and aimed to improve school attendance, participation, and school completion among Traveller and Roma children and young people.
Building on the success of the Creative Youth programmes Bringing Live Arts to Students & Teachers (BLAST) and Creative Clusters, a STAR strand of these programmes launched in September 2024 as an action within the Traveller and Roma Education Strategy.
STAR BLAST ran until June 2025 and focused on celebration of culture and identity for identified post-primary schools with high numbers of Traveller and Roma young people.
The two-year programme Creative Clusters (September 2024 – June 2026) has also been designed specifically for STAR communities, making use of innovative arts and creative learning to address a common STAR issue or challenge
Supported by the Department of Education and Youth and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, the STAR pilot project has so far supported 55 schools with approximately 1,400 Traveller and Roma students across four regions, Co. Galway. Co. Wexford, North Dublin City and Cork City.
Most recent press release from October 2024 - Minister Foley announces new roles to support Traveller and Roma pupils and students