Lena Collins is 12 years old and is a traveller. Her picture and story feature prominently in a new book, Travellers: Nomads of Ireland, for senior classes in primary schools. The book will be launched by the Minister for Education and Science, Mr Martin, this morning to mark UN International Human Rights Day. Lena was born in Manchester and now lives on a halting site in Finglas in north Dublin. She has six sisters, ranging in age from six to 19.
She takes up the story herself: "I wouldn't like any brothers. We have no pets now because our dog Trixie ran away about three weeks ago and hasn't come back.
"I go to St Mary's School. My favourite subjects are reading and writing. I don't like maths or Irish. Most of my friends in school are from around here.
"My favourite place is Ballymoney in Wexford; we went there on school trips a few times. I like playing outside when we're not at school, we play football. All the girls play together.
"I sometimes do jobs at home like sweeping the floor or washing a few cups but I don't really like doing that. I love watching TV. My sister Nancy says that Barney is my favourite programme but it definitely isn't. I like Home and Away, Beverly Hills 90210 and California Dreams.
"I like listening to music, pop music especially. My favourite food is spuds and chips and I don't like carrots or brussels sprouts.
"Not getting my own way is the thing most likely to get me annoyed but I don't really get angry all that much. The thing that puts me in good humour is going off on trips."
Apart from Lena, the book has chapters on nomadism around the world; travelling and accommodation, past and present; evictions and horses; travellers' work, past and present; family and friendship networks; and the future.