Community Cohesion Programme

While this website and our supporting magazine hightlight the events that happen each June to celebrate Gypsy, Roma and Traveller culture there's a great deal of work that goes on behind doors closed to the public - in schools. Read about one educational programme here.

Traveller Cultures - Workshops promoting the richness of Romani culture

The Hertfordshire Achievement of Refugees and Travellers Team (ARTT), in partnership with the Hertfordshire Music Service (HMS), have developed a Traveller Music and Culture Community Cohesion Programme for schools.

The programme is aimed at Key Stage 2, 3 and 4 and includes Romani music, dance, history, language and art The programme culminates in the production of a musical.

The aim of the programme is to build the capacity of schools to promote community cohesion by teaching young people about the richness of Traveller cultures. It also encourages a positive attitude towards difference in all the pupils, and a sense of belonging for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils.

Programme options:

A whole school assembly followed by a morning workshop with one class and an afternoon workshop with a second class (if required).

Alternatively, schools can book a Romani song and dance workshop leader to give a concert assembly and spend half a day at the school leading the workshop.

For a extra charge virtuoso violinist, Gundula Gruen, leader of The London Gypsy Orchestra offers a full day of music and workshops.

Please note:

Follow-up lesson resources can be found on Hertfordshire Grid for Learning (HGfL) website:

HGfL website >

For further information or to book please contact Janice Frith on 01438-844904

The Traveller Cultures Community Cohesion Programme:

• aimd to actively promote positive representations of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) culture and heritage;
• gives a culturally relevant and affirming curriculum can improve attendance of pupils from GRT backgrounds.
• enables pupils from GRT backgrounds to feel safe, settled, valued and secure

Document with more details of the programme >