REF Romania launches two new CERC education projects in Suceava and Călărași, investing over 6.17 million RON in educational inclusion
Roma Education Fund (REF) Romania is extending its network of “Remedial and Complementary Education Centers (CERC)” model, through two new projects funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) under the Education and Employment Programme (PEO). With a total investment of 6,178,230.94 RON, the initiatives will be implemented over a 24-month period (March 2026 – February 2028), providing integrated educational support for Roma children in vulnerable communities.
The new CERC centres are being established in:
- Valea Moldovei, Suceava County – Project SMIS ID 338358
- Modelu & Chirnogi, Călărași County – Project SMIS ID 339087
Together, the two projects will create learning environments that help children remain engaged in school, strengthen academic performance and develop the skills needed for long-term educational success.
Across both projects, REF Romania will directly support:
- 400 Roma students
- 40 teachers
- 20 Roma mentors
- at least 20 parents or legal guardians
The interventions are designed around the CERC model, which combines remedial learning with complementary educational services tailored to the needs of children, schools and families. Activities include:
- academic recovery programmes and learning support;
- mentoring and educational guidance;
- psychological and career counselling;
- parental engagement and education;
- STEAM activities, including robotics, digital skills, arts and crafts;
- teacher training and mentoring.
Beyond improving school performance, the projects encourage creativity, critical thinking, digital literacy and active participation in community life while promoting inclusive educational practices and stronger collaboration between schools and families.
Expected results across the two projects include:
- 400 students benefiting from integrated educational services
- 260 students improving their academic performance
- 40 teachers completing training and mentoring programmes
- 20 Roma mentors actively supporting students
- at least 20 parents participating in parental education activities
- 800 school supply packages distributed
- 6 cultural and artistic events organised
- 60 students participating in cultural and artistic activities
- 80 students enrolled in personal development programmes
- 40 students receiving individualised educational support
- 40 students attending robotics and IT summer camps
- 40 educational micro-grants awarded to participating schools
By expanding the CERC model to Suceava and Călărași counties, REF Romania continues to invest in sustainable, community-based educational solutions that improve school participation, reduce educational disparities and strengthen the capacity of schools, families and local communities to support children’s learning and development.
