Roma High School Students from Kosovo and North Macedonia Connect, Learn and Plan for Their Future in Skopje
Twenty Roma high school students from Kosovo* and North Macedonia gathered in Skopje on 6 June 2026 for a regional networking and personal development event organized under the EU Regional Action for Roma Education (RARE) Phase II project, funded by the European Commission through the Directorate-General for Enlargement and the Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST).
The event brought together 10 students from Kosovo and 10 students from North Macedonia, creating an opportunity for participants to strengthen their networks, exchange experiences, and develop skills that will support their educational and professional journeys.
Opening the event, Natasa Markovska, REF Project Officer, noted that this was the second networking event bringing together Roma students from Kosovo and North Macedonia. She highlighted the importance of building lasting connections across borders and encouraged participants to make the most of the opportunity to learn from one another. Markovska also underlined that the skills and insights gained during the workshops would support students in their future educational and career choices, while remaining valuable in many aspects of their personal and professional lives.
Facilitated by career counsellor and HR consultant Ivana Dojchinovska Stojanovikj, the training focused on career awareness, motivation and personal values.
During the first workshop, participants explored the concept of career development and reflected on the values and motivations that influence their educational and professional choices. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, students gained a better understanding of their strengths, aspirations, and personal goals.
The second workshop focused on time management and the connection between everyday habits and long-term ambitions. Participants analyzed how they spend their time, discussed priorities and distractions, and explored practical strategies for aligning daily activities with their future goals.
The interactive format encouraged active participation and meaningful discussion, while the multicultural setting provided a valuable opportunity for students from Kosovo and North Macedonia to learn from one another and build lasting connections.
Implemented by REF Romania and REF Serbia and funded by the European Union, the RARE II project continues to support Roma students across the Western Balkans and Turkey by creating opportunities for educational advancement, personal development, and regional networking.
*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244/1999 and the International Court of Justice Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
