Almost 2,000 homeless children are facing problems in Irish schools

Almost 2,000 children are facing difficulties in Irish schools due to homelessness.

1,200 children attending primary schools, and 600 attending secondary schools across the country, are struggling to focus on their studies and find adequate places to do their homework because they and their families are living in emergency accommodation. According to Focus Ireland, these children are also facing bullying, a decline in concentration, and depression and anxiety because of their housing situations. Tensions within the family are also likely to rise due to the lack of support being given. The charity is calling on the government to recognise the struggles being faced by so many young children and to provide families with support and appropriate housing. They have launched a campaign to lobby Minister for Education Richard Bruton about this issue to show that family homelessness is an educational crisis too.

"As a result of the family homeless crisis, almost 3,000 children are now living in emergency homeless accommodation with their parents. International evidence shows that schoolchildren who are homeless struggle to do well in school and the experience can undermine their entire education - and their chances of fulfilling their potential. Without an adequate response from you as Minister for Education, this short-term housing problem could have generation-long consequences. Teachers in the classroom are struggling to help these children cope, and many schools are working hard to relieve the stress and provide support. However, three years into the family homeless crisis, the Department of Education itself remains silent. There has been no support for hard pressed teachers, no advice, no guidance."

Focus Ireland is asking people to contact Minister Bruton about this problem. They have prepared an email as part of their campaign which can be edited or sent as it is to the Minister. In it, the group suggest that a package of "teacher training, guidance and targeted supports" would make a huge difference to the children living in emergency accommodation. While they recognise that solving this problem will not be easy, they are urging the government to pay attention to those who are struggling to engage in school because of their situation.