REF Leadership Bootcamp Empowers Roma Students in the Western Balkans and Turkey
Between September 1–5, 2025, the town of Ruma, Serbia, hosted the REF Leadership Bootcamp, an intensive learning and networking experience organized as part of the project EU Regional Action for Roma Education: Increased Education Support and Opportunities for Roma Students in the Western Balkans and Turkey (RARE), Phase II.
The Bootcamp gathered students from Serbia, North Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Turkey, creating a diverse and dynamic learning environment where young Roma had the chance to develop their leadership skills, strengthen their cultural identity, and explore future pathways for professional and civic engagement.
Inspiring Workshops and Trainers
The Bootcamp featured a rich program of workshops led by distinguished trainers, each bringing unique expertise to empower participants:
- Alexandru Zamfir, Coordinator of the Roma Leadership Program & Education Expert, REF Romania
Workshop: “Roma Identity – History, Culture and Language” - Stanislav Daniel, Director of REF Slovakia
Workshop: “Roma at the Steering Wheel: A Leadership and Management Journey” - Jelena Kasumovic & Barbara Jovanovic, REDI – Roma Entrepreneurship Development Initiative
Workshop: “REDI for Success: Entrepreneurial Mindset Training” - Akif Kariman, Roma for Democracy – International
Workshop: “Leadership in Action: From Voice to Agency” - Redjepali Chupi, Director of REF North Macedonia & Serbia introduced the student’s to REF’s Roma Human Capital Strategic Pillar
- Bratislav Mitrovic, Director of the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC)
These sessions provided participants with valuable knowledge, practical tools, and a deeper understanding of Roma identity, leadership, and entrepreneurship, while also fostering a sense of solidarity and collaboration across borders.
„The Leadership Bootcamp was a great reminder of the power of investing in Roma youth. The energy, ideas, and vision of the students we met give us real hope for a more inclusive and empowered future — led by them. Events like this not only equip young leaders with skills and give them opportunities for networking, but also give them the confidence to take initiative in their communities.” – Barbara Jovanovic, Roma Entrepreneurship Development Initiative.
„We need much more than one-off trainings with young people- we need to engage them continuously, coach them, mentor them, and create safe but challenging spaces where they can practice leadership, fail, adjust, and ultimately grow into leaders who can enable their communities to influence the decisions which affect their lives.” – Akif Kariman, Roma for Democracy
„Leading a workshop at the REF Leadership Bootcamp was an inspiring experience. The students showed incredible leadership potential. I am confident that they will carry forward the skills and motivation gained here to create positive change in their communities.” – Jelena Kasumovic, Roma Entrepreneurship Development Initiative
„Roma identity in terms of history, culture, and Romani language is something we must develop as a priority for the new generation of Roma leaders. I am glad to see that the new generations of young people know a little more about their own history and culture, but there are still many elements to discuss, process, and, above all, integrate in a way that generates motivation and inspiration. A very pleasant impression from the bootcamp was talking to young people from different countries in Romanes and being able to understand each other very well, as a sign of the “zorali” characteristics that keep us together and define our identity.” – Alexandru Zamfir, Coordinator of the Roma Leadership Program & Education Expert, REF Romania
„I know from my own experience how important it is to receive support and encouragement at the right time. Years ago, I was in the position of today’s trainees — learning, searching for my voice, and benefitting from those who believed in me. To now be able to contribute back, and to see how these young activists are ready to shape their communities, is both humbling and motivating. The group was exceptionally active and engaged throughout the training. Language could have been a barrier, as not everyone felt fully comfortable in English. But what happened was remarkable: participants stepped in for one another, interpreting and making sure no one was left behind. This spontaneous solidarity not only solved the challenge but also strengthened the group’s cohesion in a very authentic way. This is what leadership is about — lifting each other up, ensuring that everyone’s voice can be heard, and building something stronger together.” – Stanislav Daniel, Director of REF Slovakia
Voices from the Participants
For many students, the Bootcamp was not only about learning, but also about friendship and self-discovery.
„The camp exceeded my expectations, everything was perfectly organized. I go home with new friendships and a lot of useful stories, and that’s exactly what I liked the most.” – Miljana, Economics student, Serbia
„It is not easy to single out the most interesting part of the Bootcamp, as I truly believe that every session was special in its own way. While some sessions may have initially seemed less engaging, each one brought valuable knowledge, and the trainers had a remarkable way of making it genuinely interesting. If I had to choose, however, Akif’s second session was the one that left me most speechless. The exercise involved developing a strategy, but unexpected twists were introduced along the way, vividly showing how harsh and unpredictable the world can be. That was eye-opening for me. Overall, I deeply enjoyed the Bootcamp and would be truly glad to participate in a similar project in the future, as it was enriching and inspiring.” – Leon Ali, 21, Speech Pathology student, North Macedonia
„The most interesting part was exploring Roma history, music, and traditions in a structured learning space, while also building connections with NGOs, trainers, and other participants for future projects. What I liked most was the opportunity to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, especially hearing personal stories from Roma participants that gave me new perspectives.” – Sara, Medical Laboratory Diagnostics Engineering student, North Macedonia
„The most interesting thing was how everyone was respectful to each other. Many participants even knew words and sentences in my language, which made me feel familiar and proud. I also really loved the singing moments we shared together – those were so precious.” – Sude, 22, International Relations student, Turkey
„What I found most interesting about the Bootcamp was that every part of the program had something valuable to offer. The trainers were not only professional during the workshops but also approachable afterward, taking the time to talk to us and share personal advice.
This created a supportive and inspiring environment where learning felt natural. What I appreciated the most was the combination of knowledge, interaction, and positive atmosphere – it wasn’t just about lectures, but about building connections, sharing experiences, and feeling empowered.”
— Raim, 22, International Sales and Marketing student, Kosovo
Building the Next Generation of Roma Leaders
The REF Leadership Bootcamp highlighted the importance of investing in Roma youth, providing them with tools for leadership, cultural awareness, and professional development. By combining knowledge, practice, and networking opportunities, the program not only equipped students with new skills but also built a cross-border community of future Roma leaders.
This initiative is part of the project “EU Regional Action for Roma Education: Increased Education Support and Opportunities for Roma Students in the Western Balkans and Turkey (RARE), Phase II”, funded by the European Commission through the Directorate-General for Enlargement and the Eastern Neighbourhood, and implemented by REF Romania and REF Serbia.
