Roma Education Fund

From Alarm to Action: REF’s Blueprint for Roma Inclusion through Education, Skills, and Digital Transformation

Posted on October 31, 2025 by admin1

As the 2025 ECRI report on Roma in Romania warns of widening gaps in education, work, housing, REF calls for a shift from rhetoric to measurable action, investing in Roma potential as Europe’s untapped engine for growth and equality.

The latest report by the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) paints an alarming picture of the situation of Roma in Romania. Despite strategies and public commitments, systemic discrimination, extreme poverty, and institutionalized segregation continue to define the reality of the Roma.

Roma face precarious housing, educational exclusion, and severe barriers on the labour market simultaneously, while public policies remain, according to ECRI, underfunded, fragmented, and poorly enforced.

Published on 30 October, 2025, the document warns that in the absence of concrete performance indicators, transparent budgets, and genuine administrative coordination, inclusion strategies risk being reduced to mere rhetorical exercises. Substandard housing, school segregation, and labour-market discrimination continue to reproduce an intergenerational cycle of exclusion, in which Roma remain the social group most vulnerable to poverty, illness, and civic marginalization.

ECRI identifies anti-Gypsyism, deeply rooted in mindsets and institutions, as one of the main factors perpetuating discrimination and social mistrust. Although the 2021 census recorded 569,477 self-identified Roma (2.98%), independent estimates put the real figure at 1.5–2 million, proportionally magnifying the severity of exclusion and institutional under-representation.

A Broken Promise, How Segregation and Poor Education Trap Roma Children in Inequality

In education, the ECRI report highlights a profound rift between inclusion pledges and on-the-ground reality. Roma children continue to be denied equal access to quality education despite multiple strategies drafted over the past decade. Disparities in participation, performance, and learning conditions confirm the structural nature of these inequalities.

The 2021 figures are telling: only 27% of Roma children attend kindergarten, compared with 79% of the general population, and only 22% of Roma youth aged 20–24 have completed upper-secondary education, versus 83% among the majority. These numbers are not mere statistical differences. They are symptoms of a system that fails to function as a vehicle for social mobility and instead reproduces and deepens marginalization.

ECRI also flags the persistence of school segregation, a phenomenon that undermines the right to equitable education and entrenches the stigmatization of Roma communities. A study conducted in 11 counties shows that 66.4% of schools with at least 3% Roma students are segregated by classes, and 27.5% by buildings, figures that attest to de facto segregation tolerated by the system. Despite sanctions imposed by the National Council for Combating Discrimination (CNCD), the phenomenon remains chronic and insufficiently monitored. ECRI also acknowledges recent steps such as the adoption of the 2022–2027 Roma Inclusion Strategy and measures to prohibit school segregation, but warns that their implementation remains uneven and under-resourced.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these inequalities. Lack of internet access and devices pushed thousands of Roma children out of the learning process, causing irreversible learning losses and heightening the risk of early school leaving. ECRI’s conclusion is clear: education in Romania often isolates rather than integrates.

Locked Out of Work, Structural Unemployment and the Gender Divide in Roma Communities

In employment, the report reveals an equally alarming reality: only 41% of working-age Roma (20–64) have a job, compared with 71% of the general population. The situation for youth is even more critical, 59% of Roma aged 16–24 are neither in employment nor in education or training, compared with 15% among the majority. ECRI describes this as “an indicator of alarming inactivity and a lack of socio-professional prospects.”

Alongside economic exclusion, the report highlights a severe gender gap: only 23% of Roma women are employed, compared with 59% of Roma men. This double marginalization, ethnic and gender-base, reveals the intersectionality of discrimination, where cultural stereotypes and economic barriers overlap to limit women’s access to decent, stable employment, financial autonomy, and civic participation.

Although some public programmes seek to improve employability, ECRI finds their impact minimal in the absence of a coherent, integrated, and adequately funded approach. Discrimination in recruitment, exclusion from the formal labour market, and a lack of tailored vocational training continue to keep Roma communities in an informal subsistence economy, without protection or stability.

Turning Warnings into Action, REF’s Pathways to Education, Skills, and Equal Opportunity

The ECRI report does more than describe inequality, it issues a warning. Without firm and sustained interventions, the gap between Roma and the rest of the population will continue to widen. What is needed now is genuine institutional accountability, transparent budget allocations, and the meaningful involvement of Roma communities in designing and monitoring public policies. Roma cannot be integrated into a system that continues to isolate them. Beyond statistics and strategies, ECRI calls for a true paradigm shift, from passive assistance to active equity, from rhetoric to measurable, concrete action.

At the Roma Education Fund, we see these challenges every day. For two decades, our work has focused on education as the foundation of inclusion, and we know that progress is possible but only with genuine political will and coordinated investment. As a non-profit, we can innovate, pilot solutions, and support communities, but we cannot replace the State. It is time for public authorities to use our expertise and partner with us in building strong and resilient Roma communities.

Empowering Roma is not only a question of justice. It is a strategic necessity for Europe’s future. Across the continent, labour markets are tightening and populations are aging, while the Roma, Europe’s youngest and fastest-growing minority, remain largely excluded from opportunity. The ECRI report exposes the social cost of this exclusion. REF’s approach highlights the economic one. Inclusion is not a moral gesture but smart economics, and investing in Roma potential is investing in Europe’s workforce, innovation, and competitiveness.

Digital Transformation and Education for the Future

In an era where technology is rapidly reshaping our world, REF is placing digital transformation at the heart of its education strategy. Recognizing the need to build resilience and future-ready skills, we are launching advanced education programs that empower both children and adults to thrive in a technology-driven society. A key component of this effort is the integration of digital learning tools, enabling Roma learners to access, adapt, and lead within the digital landscape. By investing in quality education and digital access for marginalized communities, REF turns technology into a bridge, not a barrier, to inclusion.

Every euro invested in quality education and digital access is an investment in justice and shared prosperity. Empowering Roma through learning and technology means giving them the tools not just to survive, but to shape the future of work, driving a more inclusive and competitive Romania and Europe.

From Education to Employment: Building Roma Human Capital

Through its Skills and Employment strategic pillar, REF connects education to opportunity. Education is the foundation, but employment is the bridge to lasting inclusion. Our programs focus on vocational education and training aligned with labour market demand, upskilling and reskilling in emerging sectors such as digital and green industries, and partnerships with employers and public institutions that open pathways to sustainable, dignified jobs. With the goal of supporting the employment of 10,000 Roma individuals by 2033, REF is demonstrating how inclusive policies can translate into measurable impact.

Strengthening Roma human capital must be at the heart of any sustainable inclusion strategy. For the Roma Education Fund, building Roma human capital means linking education to employability and ensuring that every learner has a pathway to self-reliance, dignity, and social participation. This is not only a question of justice. It is a catalyst for economic growth, innovation, and shared prosperity. The ECRI report’s findings highlight the need for long-term, coordinated policies that tackle structural inequalities in both education and employment, while fostering genuine equality of opportunity. Investing in Roma human capital is not a corrective gesture but a forward-looking strategy, one that strengthens resilience, competitiveness, and social cohesion across Europe. When Roma talent is recognized and nurtured, entire communities and economies thrive.

We envision a future where Roma communities are celebrated as rich sources of knowledge, creativity, and potential. Our learning models embraces real-world, technology-enhanced experiences that nurture innovation and leadership in unexpected places. For REF, learning is a dynamic and collaborative process, one that equips individuals and communities to navigate complexity, uncertainty, and change. By transforming Roma-led educational innovations into beacons of excellence, we can inspire systemic change across societies and shape a more inclusive Europe for generations to come.

Key figures from the report – Read full report here

Education

• Minimal early-childhood participation: only 27% of Roma children attend kindergarten (vs. 79% overall).
• Upper-secondary completion: only 22% of Roma youth (20–24) have completed high school (vs. 83%).
• Persistent segregation: in a study across 11 counties, 66.4% of schools with ≥3% Roma students are segregated by classes and 27.5% by buildings; CNCD continues to sanction cases.
• Pandemic effects: online schooling hit Roma children disproportionately due to lack of internet or devices.

Employment

• Employment rate: only 41% of working-age Roma (20–64) are employed (vs. 71% overall).
• NEET rate: 59% of Roma youth (16–24) are neither in employment, education, nor training (vs. 15%).
• Gender gap: 23% of Roma women employed vs. 59% of Roma men.
• Persistent discrimination in hiring, working conditions, and career progression.

Housing — informal settlements, pollution, and evictions

• Critical conditions: 70% of Roma live in inadequate housing; 87% in overcrowded households; 40% without running water at home.
• Proximity to pollution: many communities are located near landfills, wastewater plants, or chemical factories, with severe health and inclusion impacts.
• Pata Rât as a public-policy failure: ECRI directly observed deplorable conditions adjacent to the landfill.
• Evictions deepen precarity: unpaid utility bills trigger evictions from social housing, pushing families back into informal settlements.
• Mapping without follow-up: in 2022, 393 informal settlements were identified (71,965 people, 76% Roma), including in risk areas—with no concrete outcomes thereafter.

Health — restricted access and shocking cases

• Reports of segregation in hospitals, especially in maternity wards.
• Serious incident: a Roma woman gave birth on the pavement after being denied care; authorities condemned the incident and opened an investigation.
• Roma health mediators proved essential during the pandemic, but access in informal and high-risk areas remains limited.

Public policy — strategies without foundation or funding

• 2015–2020 Strategy: only partially implemented; poor data, weak coordination; ~10% of municipalities had local plans.
• 2022–2027 Strategy: lacks clear performance indicators and budget estimates for most measures; local needs are not properly mapped.
• Civic capacity overlooked: missing measures to strengthen Roma civil-society organizations.

Key data points

• 70% Roma in inadequate housing • 87% overcrowding • 40% without running water
• 27% Roma in preschool vs 79% overall • 22% high-school graduates vs 83%
• 41% Roma employment rate vs 71% • 59% Roma youth NEET vs 15%
• 393 informal settlements, 71,965 people (76% Roma) • multiple risk areas

Reframing the Future of Work

Posted on October 29, 2025 by admin1

By Marina Savković, team leader Skills and Employment Roma Education Fund

On 21 October 2025 in Sofia, the Future of Work Summit, organized by Capital / Economedia, brought together business leaders, HR experts, entrepreneurs and civil society representatives to discuss how artificial intelligence, automation and digital transformation are reshaping industries and jobs. Although technological change is accelerating, one message resonated throughout the event: the future of work must remain human-centred. Even under conditions of rapid technological disruption, it is people, their skills, resilience and capacity to learn, who determine whether economies grow or stagnate.

In this sense, the conversation on labour market participation was not separate from the discussions on AI. It was foundational. Bulgaria is already operating with a shrinking workforce, and technology alone cannot fill the emerging labour gaps. The key question is not only how to prepare the workforce for the jobs of tomorrow, but also who will be included in that workforce at all.

A Reality We Must Acknowledge

Bulgaria is among the countries most affected by demographic decline, with a persistent shortage of workers across sectors, reaching up to 30% less workers than needed. The only remaining labour reserves within the country are located among groups that have historically been excluded, Roma in particular, who are estimated to represent more than 10% of the Bulgarian population (Council of Europe, 2023).

According to the FRA Roma Survey 2024, paid employment among Roma in Bulgaria reaches approximately 62%, while employment in the general population is significantly higher. However, this employment is still not formal and stable in most of the cases. A national study from 2024 further shows that the NEET rate among Roma youth aged 15–29 is 53.6%, compared to around 19.3% among the general youth population. These figures reflect real people, real potential and structural barriers that continue to constrain Bulgaria’s economic growth.

During his keynote, Željko Jovanović, President of the Roma Foundation for Europe, underlined that the cost of labour exclusion of Roma in Bulgaria reaches nearly €2 billion annually. The question, he stressed, is not whether Roma can contribute to the economy — they already do — but how much more Bulgaria stands to gain once systemic barriers are removed. This is not a discussion about social spending. It is a discussion about strategic economic development.

Ciprian Necula, Executive President of the Roma Education Fund, reinforced this message by sharing concrete examples of Roma entering stable employment through training and mentoring models developed in cooperation with employers, state authorities and vocational institutions. He spoke about young people who, once offered structured guidance and targeted learning opportunities, successfully entered long-term employment; about households whose economic prospects changed when one member secured a contract; and about companies that benefitted from a steady and motivated workforce through ongoing collaboration with REF teams. These stories are proof that when training aligns with real job requirements and support continues beyond hiring, employment stabilises and careers begin to grow. They also demonstrate that REF is a credible partner for Bulgarian employers, capable of helping them build and retain their workforce.

A Direction We Can Choose

What stayed with me most from the Summit did not happen on stage, but in the conversations between sessions. Several employers expressed genuine interest in co-designing employment pathways together with the Roma Education Fund and the Roma Foundation for Europe. Their questions were practical and forward-looking: how to structure training, how mentoring can support retention, what timeframes match production cycles. The openness was sincere. Follow-up discussions are already underway.

This readiness matters. It marks a shift from seeing Roma employment as a social obligation to recognising it as a shared economic opportunity rooted in real labour market demand.

The Path Forward

The Future of Work Summit reminded us that the future of work is not something that simply happens to us. It is something we shape—through the decisions we make about who has access to technology, to work, to learning, to economic security and to dignity.

Roma are not peripheral to this story. They are one of the few remaining sources of labour force expansion in Bulgaria, and a vital one — if we choose to invest wisely and collaboratively.

The opportunity is real, measurable and within reach. And what I witnessed in Sofia this October — in discussions, in hallways, and in conversations full of intention — gives me genuine reason to believe that we are closer to real progress than ever before.

The Password for the Future | Complementary Education Center (CEC) in Romania

Posted on October 28, 2025 by admin1

An editorial signed by Stanislav Daniel, team leader for CECs

This October, I crisscrossed five countries and set foot in five capitals, including the one I reside in, each with its own agenda, its own urgency. Policies debated. Priorities negotiated. Commitments renewed.

If I followed only my itinerary, I should remember the month by the sequence of events: first Brussels, then Bucharest, then Sofia, then further journeys where the calendar demanded my presence. But memory, I’m finding, has its own hierarchy. Because what stays with me is not the marble of conference venues or the polished language of official statements. It’s not even the applause lines meant to convince us that progress is underway.

What echoes particularly is a single room in Bucharest, full of life. A room where the air vibrated with children’s laughter and the stubborn determination of climbing up. A room where fall arrived early through paintbrushes dipped in orange and brown. A room where inclusion was not something far in the future, a bullet point in a plan, or a political promise, but something alive, immediate, present.

A Promise in Brussels

The month began in Brussels, at the European Platform for Roma Inclusion – a checkpoint of sorts, five years into the EU Roma Strategic Framework, which includes plans to improve education for Roma children. We listened to speeches that recognized both progress and the uncomfortable truth: change remains slow, especially in the places where needed it most.

I sat there with the familiar tension in my chest – pride in how far we’ve come, frustration at how far we still must go. Sitting at a podium next to the deputy minister, alumna of our scholarship program, I listened to leaders recognizing the pitfalls. They spoke of accountability, participation, the need for better data and stronger political will. They acknowledged that Roma must shape the policies that concern us.

And then it materialized

Mid-October can feel like a dull pause between seasons, but not inside REF’s first Complementary Education Center. The moment I stepped in, I felt the energy, a large room buzzing with determination and color.

One side of the space was devoted to mathematics. Children – that day all of them originally from Ukraine, all of them carrying more than children should – leaned over notebooks, trying to catch up to a school system they never planned to join. Their instructor, Ukrainian herself, moved among them with quiet mastery, jumping over age gaps through patience and instinct. When Roman numerals appeared on the board –MCMLXXXIV – a chorus erupted:

“1984!”

The small victory felt like a proof that these kids will not give up!

A few meters away, autumn spilled across watercolor paper. Orange. Amber. Forest green. Here, another group, they weren’t refugees or statistics – just kids, making leaves fall from the trees and capturing movements, mastering stopping of time.

The Complementary Education Center model works because it starts where every child’s story begins — in their community, in their language, with respect for who they are.

Lived Experience

Watching those children learn, I felt something deeply familiar from literature, from our own plans, methodologies. Inclusion, for Roma, has never been a theoretical concept. We learned inclusion and resilience not from policy documents, but from the everyday struggle to belong. We became experts through what researchers might call rigorous participatory action – though most of the time, it simply meant surviving systems not built for us.

At the Platform in Brussels, leaders emphasized that Roma participation is not a favor – it is a democratic necessity, and progress depends on Roma shaping solutions.  I saw that truth right there among the children in Bucharest. This wasn’t charity. It wasn’t a project perfectly aligned to a funding call. It was a community responding to real needs with real knowledge – empathy translated into structure.

We’ll still have to fundraise to keep the activities alive. We’ll need to continue building relationships with authorities. But we know our motivation grows from the grassroots.

Future of Work

At the end of the month, in Sofia at the Future of Work Summit, I found fresh confidence. The agenda read like a mirror held up to our work: skills gaps, AI, digital transitions, inclusive talent pipelines. Because when you travel from policy rooms to classrooms, you ask: Are we aligned with the future? Here, the answer arrived with clarity.

I heard HR leaders say that talent will define cross-border competitiveness. I heard speakers insist that exclusion isn’t just a moral failure – it is a strategic risk. And I grew in confidence: the Complementary Education Center – the children learning, arts, numbers – they aren’t in the margins, they are part of the solution. We are on the right path.

 A Stronger Europe

Looking back, the month lined up like a map of Europe’s choices. Brussels showed what must be done.  Bucharest showed how it can be done. And Sofia showed why it can’t wait.

Together, they formed a simple equation: inclusion + education + skills = a stronger Europe. The Complementary Education Center isn’t just a support program. It is the infrastructure for the next economy — built at child-height, painted in watercolors, and measured in possibilities.

When I think of October now, I don’t see conference agendas or PowerPoint slides. I see a room where children shouted “1984!” like it wasn’t a year in the past but a password to the future. I see leaves painted in colors the world hasn’t named yet. I see the quiet determination of a teacher building bridges faster than policy cycles.

Europe keeps asking how to accelerate change, how to turn strategies into results, how to prepare for the future of work, how to defend growth in a shrinking demographic horizon. The answer is not abstract. It is sitting in that room, pencil tapping, eyes focused, waiting for the world to notice.

If we choose to believe in those children, to invest in their education, trust their talent, honor their identity, then inclusion stops being a promise. It becomes Europe’s smartest bet on its own future.

George Soros Honoured with the European Civil Rights Prize of the Sinti and Roma

Posted on October 23, 2025 by admin1

Few figures in modern European history have championed Roma rights with the persistence, courage, and foresight of George Soros. For over four decades, he has invested not merely in projects, but in people, opening doors to education, empowerment, leadership, and the emergence of a confident Roma civil society across Europe.

This week, his lifelong dedication was recognised with the European Civil Rights Prize of the Sinti and Roma, which celebrates those who have made a defining contribution to the freedom and dignity of Roma and Sinti communities. The award was accepted on his behalf by Alexander Soros, who continues to carry forward his father’s vision with unwavering commitment.

Alexander donated the award to the Roma Education Fund (REF),conferred it to Ciprian Necula, the organization’s Executive Chair.

REF Carries Forward George Soros’s Legacy of Empowering Roma Through Education

Remarks by Ciprian Necula, Executive Chair of the Roma Education Fund

Dear Mr. Romani Rose,
Dear Dr. Alex Soros,
Dear Mr. Željko Jovanović,
Dear brothers and sisters from the Roma Foundation for Europe Network,

Phralale thaj pheniale,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great privilege to stand before you on this very special occasion. I am deeply honoured to announce that this year, the Roma Education Fund celebrates its 20th anniversary.

Throughout these two decades, two things have remained constant: the Roma people’s hunger for quality education and the unwavering commitment and generosity of George Soros  –  who, together with the World Bank, founded our organisation to make education a reality for Roma communities across Europe.

Since then, more than 150,000 Roma have benefited from our programmes, including over 12,000 Roma students who have received support to pursue higher education.

I remember a mother once asked me: “Why are you helping us? Are you from the church?”
I replied, “No, we are part of a Roma organisation supported by George Soros. He believes that supporting your children’s education is the way  for a better future for Roma communities.”
She looked at me and said, “Then he is a blessed man. No one does good unless they are a good people.”

In recent years, as we face an increasingly complex and shifting political landscape, we have had to reflect on how to continue doing good  –  how to keep contributing to an open, fair, and inclusive society.

That is why we have embraced a renewed mission: building resilient Roma communities through education, skills, and leadership. Because we know that education is not an end in itself, but a foundation for something greater  –  the freedom, dignity, and prosperity of our people.

We proudly stand as part of a broader Roma family  –  together with the Roma Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (REDI), the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC), Roma for Democracy, and the Roma Foundation for Europe  –  united in continuing the legacy of our founder and visionary supporter of a better world, George Soros.

Dear Dr. Alex Soros,

On behalf of the more than 150,000 Roma whose lives have been transformed by our work  –  and the many thousands more we will support in the years to come  –  thank you. Thank you for your trust, your leadership, and your continued belief in the Roma people.

Dear Mr. Romani Rose,

I am also grateful to the Central Council of German Sinti and Roma for their professionalism and high-level role in promoting our common cause across the continent. I am equally thankful for your decision to recognise the outstanding contribution of George Soros to the best interests of European Roma by awarding him the European Civil Rights Prize.

Dear All,

I am proud to acknowledge that George Soros has announced he will donate his prize money to the Roma Education Fund  –  to continue empowering Roma communities through access to skills, employment opportunities, and quality education, from early childhood to higher education  –  strengthening their resilience and hope for generations to come. 

Thank you!

Read today’s article on George Soros and the lasting impact of his support: “Inside the Archives: George Soros and the Fight for Roma Dignity.”

For George Soros, the idea of an open society was never just a philosophical concept, a system where individual rights are protected against the power of the state. It was deeply personal – “An open society,” he once reflected, “is one in which a person like me can live and prosper.”

As a Jewish survivor of Nazi-occupied Hungary who later lived through Soviet rule, Soros understood firsthand that the difference between an open and a closed society was not only about protecting minority opinions, but also about safeguarding minority communities themselves.

When communism collapsed in 1989, political freedoms swept across the newly independent nations of Europe. Yet for many, especially Roma communities, economic and social rights remained out of reach. Marginalization and poverty persisted.

Roma are the Growth Engine the Western Balkans Can’t Afford to Ignore

Posted on October 13, 2025 by admin1

By Marina Savković, Team Leader for Skills & Employment, Roma Education Fund

The World Bank has sounded the alarm and the Western Balkans should be paying attention. Growth is running on borrowed time. With half the region’s talent sitting on the sidelines, prosperity is hitting a demographic wall. The numbers are blunt: a looming shortfall of 190,000 workers, and entire groups (women, young people, older adults) still missing from the labour market. The takeaway couldn’t be clearer: getting Roma into work isn’t just social policy, it’s smart economics.

At the Roma Education Fund, we’re ready to scale up that activation, not as an add-on, but as a core driver of regional growth. Education is the foundation, employment the bridge. Bring them together, and Roma inclusion can shift from the margins to the mainstream. The only question now is whether policymakers will seize the moment or keep hitting snooze on the region’s wake-up call.

Roma Inclusion as a Growth Accelerator – Why labour markets must no longer ignore us

The World Bank’s new report Jobs Critical to Sustaining Growth in the Western Balkans delivers a serious message: the region is heading into a labour crunch. Over the next five years, the Western Balkans could face a shortfall of more than 190,000 workers if current demographic and labour market trends persist. Meanwhile, unemployment across the region stays above 10 percent, and labour force participation hovers below 55 percent — with women, youth, and older adults as the most under-represented groups.

These figures are not abstract. They validate what REF and many practitioners have observed on the ground for years: excluding any large group from education and employment is a growth risk. If the Western Balkans wants to compete, it must start seeing Roma as an essential strategy for workforce expansion and resilience.

How the World Bank’s Findings Echo REF’s New Mission?

The Bank’s Jobs Critical to Sustaining Growth in the Western Balkans report identifies the same structural challenges that REF has been addressing for years and points to solutions that lie at the heart of our programs.

First, the World Bank underlines a paradox: even with high unemployment, employers can’t find the workers they need. The problem isn’t a lack of people, it’s barriers in skills, access, and inclusion. These are exactly the barriers REF’s education and employability work seeks to dismantle.

Second, it emphasizes the need to activate underrepresented groups, particularly women, youth, and older adults. These groups often face multiple barriers to entering the labor market. Roma youth, positioned at the intersection of these vulnerabilities — young, marginalized, and often excluded on ethnic grounds — are among those most affected, and most in need of targeted activation.

Third, the report warns of a sharp demographic decline, projecting that the working-age population in the Western Balkans could shrink by nearly 20 percent by 2050. This trend makes the activation of all available human capital — including Roma communities — not only desirable, but indispensable.

Finally, the Bank calls for structural reforms to boost participation and productivity: greater investment in foundational education and health, stronger labour-market inclusion, digital and green skills development, and business environments that attract private capital.

In essence, the World Bank is underscoring exactly what REF has long advocated: that bridging the gap between marginalized communities and the core economy is not charity, but smart economic policy and a precondition for sustainable growth.

How REF’s Approach Responds and What We Propose for Scaling?

Over the past two decades, REF has built robust educational and support systems for Roma children and youth: scholarships, inclusive pedagogy, mentoring, public advocacy, and capacity strengthening in partner schools. That foundation is essential but not sufficient. Education must lead to sustainable livelihoods.

That is why REF now pivots toward employability and activation. Our Skills & Employment strategic program is designed to offer relevant, market‐oriented training in sectors where growth and demand are emerging: digital, green economy, technical trades, service industries. We are building stronger linkages between trainees and employers, embedding mentorship, internships, and job placement support.

In doing so, we anchor our strategy in local realities: capturing sectoral data, consulting with employers, adjusting training curricula to evolving needs, and monitoring which interventions result in sustainable employment. We aim for measurable outcomes not only “number of workshops held,” but number of Roma youth placed in real, dignified jobs.

By aligning public policies, employer initiatives, and community action, Roma employability can move from the margins into the mainstream. Together — governments, businesses, and organizations like REF — we can turn inclusion into one of the Western Balkans’ strongest competitive advantages.

Roma Education Fund Launches New Multifunctional Community Space in Sector 2, Bucharest

Posted on October 1, 2025 by admin1

Bucharest, Romania, October 1 – The Roma Education Fund, in collaboration with the Municipality of Sector 2, opened a new multifunctional community space that combines three flagship programs under one roof: the One Stop Shop Center for Ukrainian Refugees, the Complementary Education Centers, and the “Master the Job Market! – Professional Training and Development Program”. The Mayor for sector 2, Mr. Rareș Hopincă was present.

The center, hosted within the General Directorate of Social Assistance and Child Protection Sector 2 complex, is designed to serve Roma children and youth, women, Ukrainian Roma refugees, job seekers from the community. More than a local project, it signals a long-term investment in inclusive education, employment, and community leadership.

“I want to thank the Roma Education Fund team for our excellent collaboration and for the projects we are implementing together for the community. The new center on 301 Pantelimon Boulevard is open to both your team and the wider community. We are grateful for your commitment and look forward to welcoming as many children as possible, so that together we can care for them and help secure the best possible future for them here, at home. This is only the beginning of what I hope will be a long-term partnership for the benefit of our community. I am confident that you are the right people for this mission: among you are highly respected specialists whose work I know and commend. At the same time, I believe that only by working together can we achieve the best results. I look forward to many more projects that will make a real difference.” – Rareș Hopincă, Mayor of Sector 2, Bucharest

Complementary Education Center: A Pilot for Inclusive Learning

At the core of the new facility is REF’s Complementary Education Center (CEC), which provides after-school support, remedial learning, civic education, digital training, and cultural programming. The CEC serves as a pilot model for inclusive education, gathering evidence to inform national policy. Equipped with smartboards, laptops, and Roma cultural elements, the center offers both practical resources and symbolic value.

Volunteer teachers and REF alumni will deliver lessons in Romanian, mathematics, and English. Digital literacy workshops will introduce safe online practices, while mentoring and weekend events aim to build confidence and aspirations among Roma children and youth.

The center also serves as a forum for civic engagement, hosting discussions on public administration, access to services, rights, and responsibilities. Guest speakers will address issues such as discrimination, health, and safety. Roma culture and identity are central to the program, with activities including storytelling, history sessions, and cultural workshops. A Roma Women’s Group will provide a safe space for women to share experiences, learn about their rights, and take part in health and leadership initiatives, supporting REF’s broader gender equality agenda.

Women stand at the core of any community, especially in our Roma communities. Ensuring that Roma women are heard and supported is a vital step towards inclusive development. We are sure that empowered women will contribute to a better community – Ioana Dorneanu, coordinator of the Center.

From Education to Employment: Master the Job Market!

Employment support is another cornerstone of the new model. Through the “Master the Job Market!” project, participants will gain skills in CV writing, job interviews, and career planning. REF will also provide counseling and connect beneficiaries with private sector partners for real job opportunities.

The center is piloting a new volunteer engagement strategy, training university students and graduates in pedagogy, psychology, and trauma-informed approaches while offering them practical experience as facilitators.

A Scalable Model for Inclusion

“This is more than a project launch. It’s the beginning of long-term transformation. By combining education, social services, and employment support under one roof, we’re creating a community-driven model that can be scaled across the country. Sector 2 is leading by example. And while we celebrate this milestone in Bucharest, we are equally excited about the international perspective. This is not one Center in isolation. It is the first of many we plan to pilot and gradually build into educational systems across our target countries. With each new Center, we are working toward inclusive, community-driven education that can build resilience of Roma across age groups and transform their futures”, said Stanislav Daniel, team leader for REF’s Complementary Education Center Strategic Objective.

One-Stop-Shop for Ukrainian Refugees

Originally launched in spring 2023 with support from the Council of Europe Development Bank’s Migrants and Refugees Fund (MRF), the One-Stop-Shop (OSS) provides integrated services for displaced families—particularly Roma refugees. The center offers legal and administrative guidance, psychosocial counseling, language and literacy courses, and educational activities for children.

In just two years, more than 400 beneficiaries have engaged with OSS programs. The center has become a trusted community hub, addressing urgent needs while creating pathways for long-term integration and inclusion.

“Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, many Roma families arriving in Romania have needed more than shelter—they have needed a community where they feel accepted and valued. For many, our One-Stop-Shop has become not just a service hub, but a place of solidarity and hope. Through classes, workshops, counseling, and family activities, we help refugees rebuild confidence and prepare for a better future. We are grateful to the Municipality of Sector 2 for supporting this vision and ensuring sustainability for both the project and the families we serve.” – said Monica Călin, Programs Director REF Romania.

Looking Ahead

For REF, the new multifunctional center is more than a local achievement. It is a test case for how targeted community programs can influence national systems and shape European policy debates. The organization plans to expand the model across Romania and beyond, demonstrating that inclusive, community-driven education and integration are not only possible, they are scalable.

Call for Applications: Education Methodology & Program Manager – Digital, Inclusive, and Civic Learning

Posted on September 25, 2025 by admin1

The Roma Education Fund (REF) Slovakia invites applications from experienced education professionals for a full-time position of the Education Methodology & Program Manager. This role combines two core responsibilities:

• 50% international methodology development – leading the design, authorship, and continuous refinement of the REF Methodological Framework  across countries where REF works (currently North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, with future expansion).
• 50% programmatic management in Slovakia – coordinating and developing Complementary Education Centers (CECs), REF’s community-rooted approach to building resilience among children, youth, and adults.

Key Responsibilities

1. Methodology Development (International – ~50%)

• Lead the design and ongoing refinement of the REF Methodological Framework, a practice-oriented educational framework integrating Digital Education, Inclusion and Intercultural Competence, and Civic Engagement.
• Align REF Methodological Framework with international education frameworks (EU DigComp, OECD Learning Compass 2030, UNESCO, Council of Europe RFCDC).
• Produce methodological resources: strategic guides, facilitator toolkits, activity models, and assessment tools.
• Work closely with REF teams across multiple countries to ensure contextual relevance and application.
• Contribute to knowledge-sharing and capacity-building within the REF network.

2. Program Management (Slovakia – ~50%)

• Lead the programmatic implementation of REF’s Complementary Education Centers in Slovakia.
• Manage partnerships with schools, municipalities, and community actors.
• Support design and delivery of nonformal and informal education programs rooted in Roma communities.
• Supervise monitoring and evaluation, ensuring quality and impact of local activities.
• Represent REF in national education and inclusion platforms.

Candidate Profile

• At least 8 years’ professional experience in education, with proven expertise in curriculum/methodology development and program management.
• Strong background in one or more of: digital education, intercultural pedagogy, civic education.
• Familiarity with Roma contexts or other marginalized communities.
• Strong understanding of international and EU education frameworks.
• Professional fluency in English and Slovak (written and spoken) with proven ability to write clear, structured, and high-quality documents for both expert and practitioner audiences (e.g., curricula, training manuals, policy briefs, or academic publications)
• Proven ability to manage projects, coordinate with diverse stakeholders, and produce high-quality written outputs.

What We Offer

• A full-time contract based in Bratislava, Slovakia, with opportunities for regional travel.
• Engagement in an ambitious, multi-country initiative shaping the future of inclusive and community-driven education.
• A supportive, mission-driven team committed to long-term impact.
• The minimum base salary for this position is €2000 gross per month (full time). The final offer will reflect the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and skills, and may be higher. 
• Additional benefits include flexible working arrangements, professional development opportunities, and travel opportunities within the network

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit:

1. CV
2. A concept note outlining your approach and vision (max. 2 pages)
3. Examples of relevant prior work or publications

Please send your application to: sdaniel@roma.education

Deadline to apply: October 17, 2025

We look forward to collaborating with a colleague who shares our vision for inclusive, community-driven education. Roma candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

ABOUT THE METHODOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK

The methodological framework will shape the pedagogical vision and learning approach of REF’s Complementary Education Centers (CECs)—community-based, intergenerational learning hubs central to REF’s 2025–2033 strategic plan. This initiative reflects REF’s mission of Building Resilient Roma Communities through Education and is grounded in a bold Theory of Change:

REF envisions a future where educational innovation, inspired by the resilience and creativity of Roma communities, transforms learning for all. We challenge the premise of education systems that systematically fail marginalized learners, advocating instead for a reimagining of education as a transformative force for individual and collective flourishing. By 2033, we aim to be recognized as a pioneering voice in inclusive, community-led education—demonstrating that solutions co-created with historically excluded groups can revolutionize learning for both Roma and non-Roma learners alike. We believe that the most powerful innovations emerge from the margins, where necessity drives invention and courage fuels change.

The REF Methodological Framework will serve as the operational backbone for this vision—translating it into actionable pedagogical models that empower learners, challenge systemic inequalities, and enable communities to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

KEY PILLARS OF THE REF METHODOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK

The REF Methodological Framework is grounded in the understanding that education must be inclusive, future-oriented, and culturally responsive to effectively serve vulnerable learners, particularly Roma communities. Informed by both global standards and community realities, the methodology is structured around three interdependent pillars: Digital Education, Inclusion and Intercultural Competence, and Civic Education and Democratic Participation.

Together, these pillars reflect a holistic vision of education—one that addresses the structural barriers Roma learners face, while equipping them with the skills, identity, and agency needed to thrive in 21st-century society.

1. Digital Education

Digital literacy is essential for learning, employment, and civic engagement in today’s interconnected world. For Roma learners, digital access and competencies serve not only as technical skills but as gateways to equity and participation.

This pillar draws from the Digital Competence Framework for Citizens (DigComp) developed by the European Commission, which outlines five key areas: information and data literacy, communication and collaboration, digital content creation, safety, and problem-solving. REF’s approach to digital education emphasizes:

1. Functional digital literacy, including navigation, communication, and critical evaluation of online content
2. Safe and ethical technology use, addressing online harms, data protection, and digital well-being
3. Digital creativity and storytelling, allowing learners to produce content that reflects Roma identity, culture, and lived experience

Within the REF Methodological Framework, digital education is not an isolated skillset—it is a platform for empowerment, civic voice, and future employment. It enables learners to participate in a digital society on their own terms, overcoming structural gaps in access, confidence, and representation.

2. Inclusion and Intercultural Competence

Inclusion is not only a value, it is a pedagogical imperative. The second pillar of the REF Methodological Framework recognizes that learning is deeply shaped by identity, language, and cultural relevance—and that formal education often fails to reflect the lived realities of Roma learners.

This pillar is guided by UNESCO’s intercultural digital skilling approach and the Ubuntu philosophy, which emphasize shared humanity, dignity, and interconnectedness. REF operationalizes this through:

1. Cultural affirmation, integrating Roma history, language, and identity into learning content
2. Development of intercultural competences, such as empathy, emotional intelligence, multilingualism, and respect for diversity
3. Co-creation with Roma communities, ensuring that learning materials, tools, and facilitation methods are locally grounded and inclusive

By embedding intercultural education into all learning processes, the methodology promotes belonging and pride, counters bias and stereotypes, and ensures that Roma learners are not just included but respected, seen, and celebrated.

3. Civic Education and Democratic Participation

The third pillar of the REF Methodological Framework places civic education at the heart of inclusive learning, acknowledging that meaningful education must also develop the capacities for active citizenship, critical engagement, and social justice.

For Roma learners, who often experience exclusion from civic and political spaces, this pillar is crucial for building voice, agency, and leadership. It includes:

1. Civic literacy, covering democratic values, institutions, and rights
2. Participatory learning, encouraging debate, youth-led initiatives, and community problem-solving
3. Anti-discrimination education, which empowers learners to understand and challenge injustice, while honoring their community’s resilience

Civic education within REF’s CECs connects the personal with the political. It not only fosters individual growth but prepares learners to become changemakers in their communities and contributors to democratic life, both online and offline.

Together, these three pillars form a transformative educational model—one that challenges the status quo and builds the foundation for resilient, Roma-led educational ecosystems that reflect dignity, inclusion, and opportunity.

SCOPE OF WORK AND ALIGNMENT WITH INTERNATIONAL FRAMEWORKS

The selected colleague will lead the design and authorship of the REF Methodological Framework, a 20–25-page strategic guide that articulates REF’s educational philosophy and operational approach across three thematic pillars: Digital Education, Inclusion, and Civic Engagement.

This assignment is designed as a hybrid collaboration, involving close consultation with REF teams across multiple countries and programs. While the call is open to international applicants, we strongly encourage candidates based in or with significant experience in one of the countries where REF operates—Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, or North Macedonia—to ensure contextual relevance and deeper alignment with community realities.

The colleague will be expected to:

1. Design and Structure the REF Methodological Framework

• Develop a clear, coherent, and context-sensitive educational methodology applicable across diverse Roma communities and learning environments
• Structure the document to support both field implementation and institutional adaptation by REF and its partners

2. Align with Strategic and International Frameworks

The methodology should be aligned with:

• REF’s existing programs, including REF’s Roma Leadership Program
• REF’s Theory of Change and the 2025–2033 Action Plan for Complementary Education Centers
• The DigComp Framework (European Commission) – for digital competence and lifelong learning
• UNESCO’s intercultural digital education values and the Ubuntu philosophy, which emphasize shared humanity, mutual dignity, and interconnectedness.
• The OECD Learning Compass 2030 – particularly for fostering agency, adaptability, and well-being
• The Council of Europe’s Reference Framework of Competences for Democratic Culture (RFCDC) – for civic engagement, human rights education, and inclusion
• UNESCO’s Futures of Education report – emphasizing collaborative, human-centered, and ethical approaches to 21st-century learning

3. Develop Core Educational Components

1. Learning objectives, structured across age groups and thematic focus areas
2. A diverse set of pedagogical strategies, including activity models, participatory learning methods, and culturally grounded approaches
3. Assessment tools to measure progress in digital literacy, intercultural competence, and civic agency
4. Recommendations for facilitator training, including capacity-building plans and inclusive teaching methodologies
5. Practical implementation guidelines tailored to marginalized and under-resourced communities

Annual Report 2024

Posted on September 22, 2025 by admin1

At the Roma Education Fund (REF), we believe education is more than a tool for personal growth, it is a foundation for building resilience, dignity, and opportunity across generations. Our mission is clear: to increase the resilience of Roma communities in the face of social, economic, environmental, health, and political changes and crises through education.

Our theory of change is rooted in the belief that education must be inclusive, relevant, and connected to real opportunities. We support Roma learners from early childhood to adulthood through community-based education models and digital learning initiatives. At each stage, we remove barriers and create environments where learning can thrive.

But education alone is not enough. We build bridges to the labor market through vocational training, skill development, and partnerships with employers. We empower the next generation of Roma leaders through mentoring, financial support and civic engagement programs. And we ensure Roma voices are heard in public life by promoting advocacy, cultural identity, and democratic participation.

Through these three pillars – education, employability, leadership – we aim to create not only stronger individuals, but stronger communities. REF’s approach is collaborative, data-driven, and adaptive. Across every country and program, our goal is the same: to ensure Roma communities are not only included, but equipped to lead and thrive.

Read our 2024 Annual Report

Building Bridges in Education: Riverside Model Supports Roma Communities in North Macedonia

Posted on September 10, 2025 by admin1

Shuto Orizari, North Macedonia — The Roma Education Fund (REF) in North Macedonia highlighted one of India’s leading educational models by hosting a workshop on the Riverside School approach and its potential relevance for Roma communities.

The online session, “Sharing Positive Practices and Impact from Riverside School in India,” brought together 15 teachers and the principal of Primary School Brakja Ramiz and Hamid in Shuto Orizari, along with REF staff and education experts from India’s Riverside School.

Opening the session, Redjepali Chupi, Director of REF Serbia and North Macedonia, framed the conversation in strategic terms – Europe’s largest ethnic minority needs not just access to education, but frameworks tailored to resilience and long-term inclusion. “The Riverside model offers a promising direction,” he said.

At the heart of Riverside’s pitch is the “I CAN” Approach, a curriculum designed to balance academic knowledge with values-driven citizenship. Presenters Shruti Narayanan, Head of Design and Innovation, and Priti Patel, Master Trainer, argued that embedding empathy and agency in classrooms is essential in preparing students to confront 21st-century challenges from climate change to artificial intelligence.

Riverside’s 6 Pillar Framework – emphasizing student agency, teacher empowerment, and co-creation of learning experiences – was positioned as both aspirational and adaptable. “School transformation has to be intentional,” Narayanan stressed, underscoring that teachers are critical actors, not passive adopters.

To break down stereotypes, participants engaged in a video activity showcasing children excelling in creative and athletic domains, challenging assumptions about limitations in ability.

Two global initiatives also featured prominently: Design for Change, a movement that has engaged more than 2 million children worldwide since 2009, and the Riverside Learning Centre, which since 2016 has exported the model to 11 countries.

For Primary School BRH, with its 79 classes spanning grades 1–9, the resonance was clear. Administrators expressed interest in applying elements of the model,  particularly in the integration of AI into teaching. Riverside leaders responded cautiously, stressing the importance of contextual adaptation before implementation.

In his closing remarks, Redjepali Chupi reaffirmed REF’s commitment to strengthening Roma communities through education. He emphasized the importance of Riverside’s values-based approach, not only in shaping skilled professionals but also in cultivating leaders who can advance their communities. The meeting concluded with a call for continued collaboration and a potential follow-up session by the Riverside Learning Centre. This ongoing exchange seeks to refine educational strategies that respond both to the needs of the Roma community and to broader educational priorities.

Roma Resistance Day | Why Europe’s Curricula Must Embrace Roma History

Posted on May 16, 2025 by admin1

May 16 – In the heart of Europe’s historical narrative lie stories of resilience, resistance, and profound cultural contribution, often relegated to the periphery. The anniversary of Roma Resistance Day serves as a stark reminder of one such pivotal moment: the courageous uprising of Roma prisoners in the “Zigeunerfamilienlager” of Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1944. Armed with only rudimentary tools, they defied their Nazi oppressors, a testament to the indomitable human spirit against unimaginable brutality.

This act of defiance should be etched into the collective memory of Europe. Yet, for too many, it remains a footnote, a whisper in the grand narrative of the Second World War. This marginalization is not an isolated incident. The rich and complex history of the Roma people, our centuries-long presence in Europe, our vibrant culture, and our enduring struggles against prejudice and discrimination, are often conspicuously absent from national curricula across the continent.

This omission is not merely a historical oversight. It is a disservice to all European citizens. A comprehensive understanding of European history necessitates acknowledging the integral role of the Roma people. Our contributions to music, art, language, and trade have enriched the European culture for centuries. To ignore our story is to present an incomplete and ultimately flawed understanding of our shared past.

Furthermore, the historical and ongoing discrimination faced by Roma communities cannot be fully grasped without a thorough examination of our history. Prejudice is often rooted in ignorance and perpetuated by the absence of accurate representation. By integrating Roma history into national curricula, we equip future generations with the knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to challenge stereotypes, combat antigypsyism, and foster a more inclusive and equitable society.

Including Roma history isn’t a matter of creating a new subject. It’s about integrating our experiences into the existing historical narrative. This involves understanding our European migrations, our societal interactions, our times of both flourishing and persecution, our contributions to national development, and our persistent fight for recognition and equality.