Trinity College Dublin Bookmarks Programme Partners with Ballyfermot Traveller Action Project

Trinity College Dublin, Ireland’s flagship university, has taken another step toward fostering creativity and inclusion through its Bookmarks Programme. The partnership with the Ballyfermot Traveller Action Project (BTAP) underscores a commitment to cultural diversity and educational outreach, bringing Traveller children’s stories into the heart of Dublin’s oldest library.

Why the Bookmarks Programme Matters

The Bookmarks initiative, run by Trinity Access Programmes (TAP) in collaboration with the University Library, invites young people to write and illustrate their own stories. It opens a private space for self‑expression where students can translate personal experiences into tangible narratives. In a world where literacy skills often determine future opportunities, the Programme provides a hands‑on route to strengthen writing fluency, visual thinking and confidence.

Inclusivity at Its Core

From the outset, the programme has sought to be welcoming to all backgrounds. By aligning with BTAP, Trinity extends its reach to the Traveller community—an under‑represented group whose storytelling traditions are rich but frequently overlooked. The partnership means that Traveller voices are not only heard but displayed alongside other student work in the Long Room, a visible testament to the university’s progressiveness.

How the Collaboration Came Together

The project emerged as part of the PATH 5 initiative, which supports Traveller and Roma communities across Ireland. Together with University College Dublin and the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Trinity identified a shared goal: enable Traveller children to experience higher‑education spaces and showcase their creative output. Walking into the Old Library, the children were met with a welcoming atmosphere that valued each story.

Hands‑On Creative Workshops

Under the guidance of author Síne Quinn and illustrator Karen Harte, participants spent several weeks drafting plots, sketching scenes and refining language. The workshops emphasised the Traveller narrative style—often characterised by vivid imagery and communal memory—while teaching universal storytelling techniques. Students practised drafting structured chapters, developing characters and honouring cultural nuance.

The Impact on Students and the University Community

For the children, the process was more than a school assignment; it was an exploration of identity. Reports from BTAP’s education worker, Annie Wall, highlighted moments of pride when parents saw their children’s books displayed at Trinity. Parents who had never set foot in a university were naturally intrigued, sparking conversations about higher‑education pathways.

Academic and Cultural Benefits

From an academic perspective, the programme sharpens linguistic proficiency and critical thinking. Children learn to plan projects, meet deadlines and present their work—skills directly transferable to future study or employment. Culturally, it reaffirms Traveller heritage, giving young people a platform to tell their stories on a respected stage.

What the Bookmarks Initiative Offers to Other Communities

While the current focus is on Traveller children, the model is scalable. Schools can adopt the framework by collaborating with local libraries or community centres, offering free workshops and publication opportunities. This approach turns every story into a learning module, with tangible outputs for pupils to showcase.

Expand Through Partnerships

For educational institutions wishing to broaden their reach, forming alliances with cultural groups can accelerate inclusion. Identify a partner, secure a host venue, and design workshops that honour the partner’s traditions. Simple steps—like incorporating local folklore into narratives—encourage deeper engagement.

Get Involved – Take the Next Step

Trinity College Dublin encourages other schools and community organisations to replicate this model. If you’re a teacher, community leader or university staff member interested in supporting creativity and inclusion, reach out to Trinity Access Programmes or the Manuscripts and Special Collections division.

• Submit your application today to learn how your institution can partner with the Bookmarks Programme.
• Schedule a free consultation to explore potential collaboration timelines and resources.
• Have questions? Write to us at [email protected] for detailed guidance.
• Share your experiences in the comments below or join the conversation on our Facebook page to inspire others.

Looking Ahead – Future Opportunities

Following the success with BTAP, the Bookmarks Programme plans to broaden its outreach to other Traveller groups across Ireland. Future phases include digital platforms where tablets will allow remote participation, ensuring that even students in rural areas can contribute. The initiative will also introduce a mentorship scheme, pairing university students with younger participants to refine their narratives.

To keep the momentum, Trinity invites academic staff, educators and community members to sign up for updates. By staying informed of new projects, you can be part of a movement that values diverse voices and transforms them into learning assets for the next generation.