Luton Roma families are being taught literacy and English language in their own homes as part of a project to integrate them into the UK.
The programme, which started in June, is being funded by the Luton & Bedfordshire Community Foundation.
It has the blessing of Bushmead Christchurch vicar Martin Burrell, who is chaplain to gipsies, travellers and Roma for the diocese of St Albans.
Co-ordinator Rachel Humphris, 27, is overseeing the work as part of her PhD research at Oxford University.
Her interest was ignited in 2007 when she was working as stage manager with a Roma group.
“I really enjoyed being with them,” she said.
A dedicated band of 10 volunteers of all ages and backgrounds has undergone relevant training with Luton Adult Learning. They’ve already struck up good relationships with the families they’ve been placed with.
Rachel said: “The amount of time they spend with them will depend on their skill levels which range from completely literate to having no literacy at all. It’s a minimum of one hour a week.”
She added: “The project will run for two years but we hope it will continue as long as people need it.”
> For more information email martin@christchurch-bushmead.org.uk
Pic on email I’ll forward separately: Rachel is the one in the striped top with her elbow on the chair.
Martin’s number is 01582 454081
Rachel’s number is 07854080571
Pip! Pip!