Tuesday, Nov 10 — Pavee Point, represented by Rudolf Simonic, had the pleasure to take part in a panel discussion on inclusive employment for Travellers and Roma as part of the ED&I Advisory Board hosted by publicjobs.
During the session, Fidelma Joyce (IHREC) and Bridget Kelly (Irish Traveller Movement) spoke about the Traveller and Roma Inclusive Employment Employer Guide, published last year, highlighting its value to employers for developing inclusive recruitment policy and developing partnerships with relevant Traveller and Roma stakeholders.
Yvonne Pedersen ( Department of Justice) shared the story of how the Civil Service Traveller and Roma Placement Programme has evolved over two years, that the number of vacancies has continued to grow with each edition and how, following the completion of the Placement Programme, participants are now able to compete for full-time positions within the Civil Service. She complimented both managers and participants in the programme for their dedication and commitment to the initiative, and the work of Programme alumni helping newcomers to settle in and make the most of the experience.
Rudolf expressed his enthusiasm for the programme and how fulfilling it is to see so many young Roma and Travellers accessing opportunities they once thought were completely unattainable. He pointed to the important impacts the programme makes in challenging prejudices and changing perceptions, and the transformative effect it has on participants’ lives: building confidence, self-belief, and showing themselves that they belong.
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