Roma Education Fund

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.

URBAN ROMANO: REF Launches Bold New Music Project on Roma Resistance Day

Posted on May 13, 2025 by admin1

BUCHAREST, Romania – The Roma Education Fund Romania, in collaboration with Goethe-Institute in Bucharest and Roma Status project, is set to host the second edition of “Resistance through Art” event on Wednesday, May 15th. This cultural event will serve as a poignant occasion to honor and reflect upon the profound significance of the Roma Resistance Day.

Hosted at the Goethe-Institute Bucharest, the event promises an evening of remembrance and artistic expression. Attendees can expect moving moments of celebration alongside poetic tributes designed to evoke the enduring strength, resilience, and vibrant creative spirit that characterizes Roma communities throughout history and in the present day.

A key highlight of the evening will be the highly anticipated official launch of URBAN ROMANO, a ground-breaking music project poised to redefine contemporary Roma artistic expression. Performed by exceptionally talented Roma instrumentalists, URBAN ROMANO creates a unique sonic tapestry by fusing authentic Roma musical traditions with compelling influences from funk, rap, and infectious Balkan rhythms.

“URBAN ROMANO embarks on a powerful musical exploration, channelling the deep soul of traditional Roma music (lăutăria) through the vibrant energy of the urban landscape – a timeless heritage resonating with today’s pulse. The project’s mission is to celebrate and articulate Roma identity through a fresh and contemporary artistic lens, promising an innovative and captivating musical experience for all attendees.” – Gabriel Zorilă, REF Romania, host of the event.

The #ResistanceThruArt event underscores the ongoing commitment of the Roma Education Fund to promote Roma culture, remembrance, and contemporary artistic innovation. This event offers a powerful platform to honor the past while embracing the future of Roma creative expression.

Beyond the Headlines: Strengthening Roma Communities Against Disinformation

Posted on by admin1

BUCHAREST, Romania – On May 6th, the Roma Education Fund Romania held an important debate centered on “Resilience to Disinformation in the Context of Roma Communities.” The event, hosted at REF Romania’s headquarters in Bucharest and streamed live, provided a platform for a detailed analysis of how disinformation and propaganda impact Roma communities.

The aim of the discussion was to pinpoint effective strategies, both theoretical and practical, to empower Roma individuals in navigating today’s complex information landscape. Participants explored the specific challenges Roma communities face due to the spread of fake news, while also considering their inherent strengths and resources.

The conversation focused on critically assessing current methods of combating disinformation and brainstorming innovative approaches to strengthen cognitive and social resilience within these communities. The impact of false narratives and advanced manipulation technologies, such as deep-fakes, was also a key point of discussion.

The panel featured notable experts and community advocates:

• Attila Biro, co-founder of “CONTEXT,” an investigative platform.
• Alin Banu, executive director of “Roma for Democracy Romania”
• Valentin Ioan Negoi, the host and the creator behind the historical project RomStoria.

“The conference on resilience to fake news within Roma communities was an extremely important event, especially considering the current socio-political climate in Romania and not only. Through this discussion, we aimed to understand the mechanisms for combating disinformation and how Roma communities can ensure they do not fall victim to fake news. Unfortunately, Roma communities are consistently targets of false information, and accurate information is crucial for protecting ourselves from such attacks” – Valentin Negoi, the host of the event. He also emphasized the vital nature of this dialogue in understanding and addressing the nuanced effects of disinformation on Roma communities. The live broadcast ensured that the insights and potential solutions generated reached a wider audience. This event marks a significant step in developing tailored strategies to support the resilience of Roma communities in the face of an evolving information environment.

Empowering Roma Youth: Belgrade Seminar to Focus on Identity and Rights

Posted on May 12, 2025 by admin1

BELGRADE, Serbia – Young Roma men and women are being invited to participate in a three-day seminar focused on identity, cultural preservation, and combating discrimination. The event, titled “Roots and Wings: I Know Who I Am and Where I’m Going,” is the final seminar under the “QualiROM” project, which aims to steer young Roma towards quality education and employment.

The seminar, scheduled for May 29-31, 2025, will delve into crucial topics including leveraging Roma identity as an asset, the importance of safeguarding Roma culture, understanding and addressing discrimination, and navigating labor rights. Participants will receive guidance on how to respond to discriminatory situations and learn about available resources. They will also gain insights into their rights as employees.

REF Serbia plans to host up to 20 participants for the intensive program. The seminar will commence in Belgrade on May 29th before moving to the city of Ub for the subsequent two days. Transportation from Belgrade to Ub, as well as the return journey, will be provided. Travel reimbursements are also available.

Attendance for all three days is mandatory, with all transportation, accommodation, and meals covered for selected participants.

We are looking for young Roma professionals and aspiring individuals under 35 years of age, with a high school diploma being a desirable qualification. Interested individuals, including beneficiaries of the Roma Education Fund (REF) program, must apply by May 20, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Applications are being accepted via an online link – https://shorturl.at/CV83B

Only those who successfully pass the selection process will be contacted with further details. This initiative comes at a crucial time as advocates continue to push for greater inclusion and opportunities for Roma youth across the region.

The ‘Guiding Roma Youth to Quality Education and Employment: QualiROM’ project aims to ease the transition of young Roma from Serbia into employment. This initiative will support 250 youths in identifying their educational and career paths, making informed decisions, and ensuring a smooth transition into their professional lives. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) though Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)).

Four Years Cultivating a New Narrative for Roma Youth: the Gallery of Roma Role Models

Posted on April 14, 2025 by admin1

BUCHAREST, Romania – April marks the anniversary of Roma Status (Starea Romilor), a project that began with a single spark on our Facebook page. For four incredible years, our dedicated team in Romania has been building a vibrant Gallery of Roma Role Models. We’ve proudly showcased the inspiring journeys of accomplished young professionals who’ve thrived through our scholarship programs and the powerful stories of remarkable Roma individuals. Every weekday, we share the extraordinary lives of young Romanian Roma, weaving a tapestry of inspiration for all.

The core mission of the Roma Status project is to shine a spotlight on accomplished young Roma professionals – many of whom have benefited from our scholarship programs – and other inspiring individuals with compelling life stories. Five days a week, Roma Status delivers a steady stream of these narratives, aiming to build a powerful legacy of inspiration for our often-misrepresented Roma community.

At the helm of this digital endeavor is Gabriel Zorilă, our project’s spokesperson and the host of our podcast, “Inspiring Stories,” launched three years ago. Gabriel, a passionate advocate for Roma empowerment, articulated the project’s genesis with a personal resonance.

“‘Starea Romilor” emerged from a deep desire to showcase not only our REF students but also the extraordinary Roma who often go unnoticed. It’s a space where we share short, powerful stories designed to ignite inspiration. The individuals featured are truly exceptional, many already making significant contributions, and all serve as vital role models, capable of shifting societal perceptions of Roma.”

Gabriel’s motivation is deeply rooted in his own experiences. “Our aim is to build a future where young Roma can effortlessly find figures to admire and emulate – something I desperately sought in my own adolescence. The absence of visible Roma role models left me feeling isolated. I recall the ground-breaking moment in 2006 of seeing Nicolae Gheorghe and Ciprian Necula, fellow Roma, engaging in intellectual discourse – a revelation that such individuals existed. It was years later that I discovered the rich and diverse community of elite Roma, a world I, as a Roma, had no idea existed.”

The project’s impact, according to Gabriel, has been significant within Romania. “In these four years, close to 1,000 extraordinary young Roma from Romania have been put under the spotlight. People across the country read their inspiring stories, they identify with their struggles and successes.”

Looking ahead, Gabriel harbors ambitious goals for our initiative. “My greatest wish is to go international, and to find funds for us to tell the stories of young Roma from all of Europe,” he stated, hinting at a potential expansion of this Romanian success story onto a broader European stage.

“What a privilege it has been over these years to uncover and share the inspiring stories of remarkable young Roma individuals with our Starea Romilor community! We’ve been thrilled to feature incredible people like Rowena Marin, now a Senior Agency Account Manager at Google in New York; Renata Mihaly, a multi-talented painter, children’s book illustrator, and fashion designer; Eugen Brîndaș, a dedicated urologist; George Buluc, who impressively holds a PhD in Materials Engineering, a law degree, and shares his knowledge as a high school teacher. These powerful examples truly showcase the diversity, talent, and unwavering determination that flourishes within our Roma communities”

Roma Status, while operating primarily through social media and our podcast, represents a compelling case study in how targeted, positive storytelling can contribute to shifting societal narratives and fostering a sense of belonging within our community. As we enter our fifth year, the question remains whether our Romanian initiative can indeed scale its impact and become a pan-European platform for Roma empowerment.

Ciprian Necula at EU Parliament: Roma Curriculum Must Be Part of the Mainstream, Not Sideline

Posted on April 11, 2025 by admin1

BRUSSELS, Belgium, April 8th – Ciprian Necula, President of the Roma Education Fund, delivered a strong message at the European Parliament during Roma Week, insisting that discussions about Roma education and curriculum development must be fully integrated into broader conversations about the future of learning for all Europeans, rather than being treated as a separate issue.

Calls for a fundamental shift in European education systems echoed through the European Parliament this week as Roma Week 2025 played host to a high-level event demanding the meaningful integration of Roma history and culture into national school curricula. The conference, co-organized by the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC) and the European Roma Grassroots Organisations Network (ERGO), convened key stakeholders to address persistent gaps in inclusive education.

Hosted by European Parliament Vice-President Nicolae Ștefănuță, the session brought together a diverse array of voices, including representatives from national ministries, the European Commission, the Council of Europe, alongside academics and members of the Roma community. The aim was clear: to analyze past experiences, identify successful models, and forge new alliances to build truly inclusive educational frameworks across the continent.

In a compelling address, part of the “Alliances for Inclusive School Curricula” panel, Ciprian Necula, president of the Roma Education Fund, argued that the development of educational curricula is intrinsically linked to societal values and priorities. He asserted that discussions surrounding Roma Education should not be siloed but rather embedded within a wider debate about the future direction of learning for all European citizens.

“Roma curricula should not be isolated but integrated into a larger conversation about the future of education for all. This future education needs to align with the evolving cultural, political, and social landscape, heavily influenced by social media and artificial intelligence,” Necula stated, emphasizing the need for education to adapt to contemporary realities.

Drawing on his own experience of belatedly learning about Roma slavery during his university years, Necula underscored the critical importance of incorporating often-overlooked historical narratives into mainstream education. He then presented a striking example from the Toflea (Galați) community in Romania, a Roma-majority village boasting a significant number of university graduates and thriving professionals. Necula highlighted that the local school in Toflea, despite serving a predominantly Roma population, is providing high quality education. This success, he argued, stems from strong community engagement and supplementary educational initiatives focusing on crucial soft skills, digital literacy, Roma history, and broader universal knowledge – areas frequently absent from standard curricula.

Ciprian Necula contended that the Toflea example demonstrates the potential for Roma students to flourish when offered quality education and adequate support. He challenged the notion that segregation is the primary obstacle, suggesting that positive educational outcomes should be the central focus.

Expanding on the philosophy of the Roma Education Fund, Necula emphasized that education should not be viewed as an end in itself but as a vital tool for achieving broader societal goals. These goals, he argued, align with core European values, encompassing practical skills, environmental awareness, social cohesion, and, crucially, the development of a strong sense of self. He stressed the psychological importance of self-awareness for personal growth and societal contribution. Furthermore, Necula pointed to the necessity of aligning vocational training with the demands of the modern labor market, cautioning against educational paths leading to limited employment opportunities.

Concluding his remarks, Necula advocated for the full inclusion of Roma voices in all discussions concerning curriculum development. He warned against the counterproductive nature of separate dialogues, arguing that isolating the Roma education agenda perpetuates a form of segregation that ultimately hinders genuine progress and inclusion. His message resonated with the urgency of Roma Week, underscoring the need for systemic change to ensure that Roma history and culture are not just footnotes but integral parts of Europe’s educational landscape.

The Million-Euro Question Haunting Slovakia’s Roma Inclusion Efforts

Posted on by admin1

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia, April 8th – The familiar echo of persistent exclusion hung in the air on April 8th, World Roma Day, as community leaders, civil society advocates, institutional representatives, and academics convened in Bratislava. The topic of discussion, facilitated by the Roma Education Fund Slovakia, centered on a seemingly straightforward hypothetical: What could be achieved with a million euros dedicated to bolstering Roma civic participation?

The brainstorming yielded a range of potentially impactful initiatives: mentorship programs for young Roma, specialized training to cultivate Roma political leaders, and targeted support for empowering Roma women. Yet, beneath the surface of these proposals lay a sobering consensus. Even a substantial sum like a million euros felt inadequate to truly dismantle the deep-seated barriers hindering the political engagement of Slovakia’s Roma communities.

This Bratislava roundtable marked the culmination of a months-long inquiry spearheaded by REF Slovakia. The organization embarked on this research in late 2024, conducting in-depth interviews and regional roundtables in Rimavská Sobota and Košice, seeking to unravel the enduring puzzle of Roma underrepresentation in Slovak public life. Despite decades of EU funding poured into Roma inclusion initiatives, countless grassroots projects, scholarship programs, and the dedicated efforts of civil society organizations, tangible progress in fostering meaningful civic participation has remained frustratingly elusive.

The research also deliberately engaged the Hungarian-speaking Roma minority through a dedicated discussion group, underscoring the complex interplay of ethnicity and language that further complicates the path to inclusion for many within the community.

The obstacles identified throughout REF Slovakia’s investigation painted a depressingly familiar picture. The legacy of segregated schooling and alarmingly high dropout rates continues to plague Roma youth. Persistent language and literacy gaps create significant hurdles to accessing information and engaging in public discourse. The chronic absence of Roma voices in elected office reinforces a sense of powerlessness. Roma women face a double burden of marginalization, compounded by both their ethnicity and gender. Deep-rooted distrust in institutions, often stemming from past experiences of discrimination and neglect, further isolates communities. Internal fragmentation within Roma communities themselves also presents challenges. And, omnipresent, are the pervasive negative stereotypes that fuel prejudice and hinder social mobility.

“We are constantly diagnosing the same problems,” said Stanislav Daniel, director of REF Slovakia, who guided the final discussion in Bratislava.

Across the European continent, the resilience of democratic institutions is facing significant tests. However, for Slovakia’s Roma communities, estimated to comprise 8-10% of the national population, this test of inclusion began long ago. The roundtable participants pointed to a stark reality: if even relatively privileged youth and women within the mainstream population grapple with political participation, the challenges are exponentially greater for young Roma women emerging from deeply marginalized communities.

The Bratislava conversation thus shifted its focus from traditional notions of charity and moved towards the critical issue of power. The central question evolved from “How can we help the Roma?” to the more fundamental: “Why don’t they have the tools to help themselves?”

Some of the answers offered were structural in nature. Participants highlighted the limitations of short-term philanthropic funding cycles that often fail to foster sustainable change. They also critiqued projects designed primarily to satisfy donor requirements rather than truly addressing the needs of the communities they aim to serve. The inherent opacity of political processes, often requiring insider knowledge and networks, further excludes those on the margins.

However, the discussion also delved into deeply ingrained cultural factors. A palpable lack of faith in institutions, born from repeated experiences of failure and broken promises, was evident. The chronic underrepresentation of Roma in positions of influence perpetuates the belief that participation is futile. Furthermore, the prevailing media landscape, which often portrays Roma as societal problems rather than active agents of change, contributes to negative perceptions and hinders their integration.

While the roundtable concluded with the formulation of concrete policy recommendations, soon to be publicly released, the most striking takeaway was a pervasive sense of exhaustion. Many Roma individuals and those working alongside them expressed feeling trapped in a seemingly endless cycle – caught between the rhetoric of inclusion and the stubborn reality of persistent exclusion.

And so, the initial million-euro question continues to resonate. If such a significant sum isn’t sufficient to catalyze meaningful change, what truly would be?

The emerging consensus pointed away from purely financial solutions and towards the fundamental need for power. The desire is not merely to be consulted, but to be trusted as leaders and decision-makers. The aspiration is to be integral in shaping democracy, not to passively await its benefits to trickle down.

“What we’re really asking for,” Daniel concluded, “is to stop being seen as a problem to be solved—and to start being recognized as part of the solution.”

Join REF ROMANIA’S team as Sociological Research Coordinator

Posted on April 10, 2025 by admin1

Job Title – Sociological Research Coordinator

Organization: Roma Education Fund Romania

Location: Bucharest, Romania

Position – Full time, office hours

About REF

Founded in 2005 by the World Bank and Open Society Foundations, the Roma Education Fund (REF) is dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for Roma communities. Over nearly two decades, REF has driven systemic changes in education, promoted Roma participation, and established best practices for policy reform and program implementation. With an investment of over €120 million in diverse educational initiatives, REF has positively impacted more than 100,000 Roma individuals across 16 countries.

In 2023, REF adopted a new strategy, positioning education as a central tool for building resilient Roma communities. Our vision focuses on creating supportive environments that empower every child, youth, and parent to develop personal resilience in rapidly evolving societies. We aim to foster confidence, a sense of belonging, and active community participation, emphasizing education as a driver for growth and development. REF utilizes innovative education methods, digital technologies, and research to develop new and alternative education models that meet the demands of digital and green economies. We aim to scale up these models through robust public communications, partnerships, fundraising, and policy advocacy.

Position Summary:

REF Romania is seeking a dedicated and experienced individual to lead and manage sociological research projects. The ideal candidate will ensure that these projects are meticulously designed and executed, with a strong focus on social dynamics and human behavior. Utilizing cutting-edge analytical tools, the candidate will guide interventions to be firmly rooted in robust research and evidence, thereby avoiding inadequate evidence.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Data Collection and Analysis | Leverage extensive experience in data collection to gather and analyze both qualitative and quantitative data, providing insights that inform the team’s research and development efforts. This includes the ability to translate complex findings into clear and accessible reports by clearly articulating research objectives and methodologies, presenting data and analysis in a logical and coherent manner, drawing evidence-based conclusions and formulating practical recommendations, and adapting report style and content for various stakeholders.
2. Survey Design and Implementation | Design and implement surveys, focus groups, and other data collection methods to gather information from target populations, ensuring the reliability and validity of the data.
3. Social Impact Assessment | Evaluate the social impact of the team’s projects, identifying potential benefits and challenges, and suggesting ways to enhance positive outcomes.
4. Coordination and Operational Oversight | Coordinate departmental operations by overseeing the planning and organization of meetings, workshops, and events; ensuring effective documentation and information flow; supporting budget monitoring and resource allocation in collaboration with relevant team members; and facilitating strategic communication and collaboration across departments to ensure alignment with project goals.
5. Community Engagement | Foster community engagement by assisting in building and maintaining relationships with community partners and stakeholders and supporting efforts to ensure that our research and programs are responsive to the needs of vulnerable groups.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in social sciences, human rights, education, or other related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in field research related to education, vulnerable groups, human rights etc.
• Demonstrated experience in program support and coordination.
• Strong data analysis and statistical skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• A strong commitment to social justice and equity.
• Strong understanding of ethical principles and practices in social science research.
• Experience in both securing funding through grant writing and effectively managing the implementation and reporting of funded projects will be considered a significant advantage.

We offer:

• Competitive salary;
• Professional development opportunities;
• Pleasant and collaborative work environment;
• Involvement in projects with real social impact.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume and cover letter that demonstrates the above qualifications to aflorea@roma.education with the subject line Sociological Research Coordinator.  In your cover letter, please highlight your experience and contribution working with vulnerable groups, within education projects, human rights and include also details about your data analysis skills.

Application Deadline: 23.04.2025 | 23:59 PM, EET

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. In particular, we welcome applications from individuals who identify as Roma, alumni of the Roma Education Fund education programs. Qualified female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

We appreciate all applications; however, given the high number of applications, we will only be contacting those selected for an initial interview.

Tragedy in Slovak Roma Community Sparks Calls for Urgent Action

Posted on March 25, 2025 by admin1

Veľký Šariš, Slovakia — A devastating fire that claimed the lives of five Roma residents, including four young children, has exposed the stark realities of systemic exclusion and neglect facing marginalized Roma communities in Slovakia. The tragedy, which destroyed eight homes in the segregated Korpašská street, has triggered calls for immediate support and long-term reform.

The fire, a “heartbreak foretold,” according to Stano Daniel, Director of REF Slovakia, laid bare the precarious living conditions faced by the approximately 30 displaced Roma residents, now sheltered in a makeshift community center, a former elementary school. “No one sets out to raise children in a shack,” underlines Stanislav, “but when you’ve been excluded your whole life, sometimes there are no other options.”

Veľký Šariš, a town situated just outside the bustling city of Prešov, reveals a sharp contrast between the opportunities available in the urban center and the isolation experienced by its Roma residents. Despite its proximity to schools, businesses, and employment hubs, the Roma community remains largely disconnected, facing discrimination in hiring, overcrowded housing, and limited access to quality education.

“As you come closer to the Roma community in Veľký Šariš, everything feels strangely distant,” Stanislav described, “You pass parks, sports grounds, families on bikes. Then, just before the road curves left with the rest of the world, you turn right. Past an agricultural farm, further still. And only then do you begin to see them—the homes, the people, the forgotten.”

The devastating events in Veľký Šariš have reignited critical discussions about the enduring struggles of Roma communities across Europe, underscoring the immediate necessity for policy reforms that champion social inclusion and tackle the deep-rooted causes of marginalization. In direct response, and since 2024, the Roma Education Fund (REF) has sharpened its focus on its core mission: “Building Resilient Roma Communities Through Education.”  A key initiative within this strategic shift is the active exploration of establishing a Complementary Education Center in Veľký Šariš, designed to empower children and youth, and offer adults renewed learning opportunities, while also serving as a vital community hub.

“The strongest feeling I took away from Veľký Šariš is potential – real, living, untapped potential,” Stanislav emphasized. “It’s a community right next to a regional hub, surrounded by education and employment, yet shut out by the invisible wall of exclusion. We believe it’s time to tear down that wall. That’s why we’re intensifying our efforts in the region and Veľký Šariš is set to become one of our strategic priorities in Slovakia”

Roma Leadership Program | Empowering the Next Generation of Roma Leaders

Posted on February 24, 2025 by admin1

Do you want to make a real difference? Join the next generation of Roma changemakers! 

The Roma Education Fund, the Roma Entrepreneurship Development Initiative, Roma for Democracy, the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture, and the Roma Foundation for Europe announce the Roma Leadership Program —a new opportunity for you to learn, connect with top Roma professionals, and help build resilient Roma communities.  

Apply by March 13, 2025! MARCH 20, 2025!

The Roma Leadership Program is: 

1. An innovative learning program, including a masterclass and an internship, that will provide you with a practical and engaging learning experience. The program is designed to equip you with the tools, knowledge, and vision necessary for future leadership roles with organizations, networks, and institutions. 

2. A network of experts driving innovation in entrepreneurship, employment, culture, education, and democratic participation for Roma communities. 

3. A vibrant community of like-minded Roma who proudly embrace their identity and immerse themselves in the rich history, arts, culture, and political movements of the Roma people. 

4. An incredible opportunity to make a real difference by contributing to the development and resilience of Roma communities. 

Important Announcement: Due to the large number of students enrolled in the Roma Leadership Program, the selection period has been extended by two weeks. As a result, the Masterclass will not start on April 8th, as the selection committee is still reviewing applications. We appreciate your enthusiastic interest in the program and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Thank you for your understanding!

Program Highlights: 

Dive into the “Art of Resilience and the Future of European Roma” masterclass. (April–July 2025) | Online

This masterclass has been designed by teams of experts from the Roma Foundation for Europe Network, five of Europe’s leading Roma organizations, all recognized for their understanding of Roma issues and their proven track records in advocacy, Roma arts and culture, entrepreneurship, and education. Drawing on their collective knowledge and experience, the masterclass offers an engaging and comprehensive educational program.  

You will benefit from a curriculum of high academic standards that is also deeply rooted in the real-world challenges and opportunities faced by Roma communities. This unique collaboration ensures that the program will equip future Roma leaders with the skills and insights necessary to drive meaningful change.  

To successfully complete the masterclass, you must finish all four modules: 

1. Roma Identity – History, Culture and Language, by the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture. (April 8–April 29) 
    

The history of Roma identity is intricate and often disputed, marked by uncertainties, myths, and questionable claims, typically made by non-Roma authors. What do we mean by Roma identity? What elements constitute Roma identity? Roma history involves piecing together evidence from various empires, kingdoms, and states that did not prioritize Roma; how has this shaped the portrayal of Roma history by others? How have Roma historians approached this? What impact have new trends in historiography, such as cultural and linguistic turns, post-modernism, and the revival of narrative, had on the writing of Roma history? In this module, leading experts in history, art, culture, Roma identity, and the Romani language will answer these questions and others. 
 

2. Roma in the Making of European Governance: Defiance, Resilience, and Political Progress, by Roma for Democracy. (April 29–May 20) 

 The history of Roma politics spans centuries of upheaval, from medieval monarchies to contemporary democracies. The Roma have been cast as outsiders—marginalized, scapegoated, and exploited by regimes seeking to contain, control, or erase their identity. Feudal lords, empires, and nation-states alike treated the Roma as a problem to be managed, both in times of stability and during crises, when they were convenient scapegoats. Yet the Roma are not a footnote in European history. Despite attempts to suppress their identity, they have demonstrated remarkable political agency, engaging with and influencing the very systems that sought to exclude them. This module explores how the Roma, far from being passive victims, have asserted themselves as political actors in the face of overwhelming odds. 
 

3. Roma at the Steering Wheel: A Leadership and Management Journey, by the Roma Education Fund and the Roma Entrepreneurship Development Initiative. (May 20–June 10) 
    

This module will help you understand and apply various leadership styles, including adaptive leadership, tailored to specific contexts within Roma communities. You will develop strategic thinking by developing visions, articulating strategic goals, and aligning team efforts to tackle complex community and organizational challenges. You will master team management by effectively handling diverse teams, resolving conflicts, and fostering collaboration with an emphasis on inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. You will learn by analyzing case studies involving Roma leaders and movements, drawing practical lessons for advocacy and community leadership. 
  

4. The Art of Debate, by all five organizations. (June 10–July 1) 

Debate is an essential skill in today’s world—in education, professional and social life, online interaction, politics, and public administration. This module will give you a comprehensive understanding of the art of debate. Using content provided by the organizations in the Roma Foundation for Europe network, it will address subjects pertinent to Roma communities in Europe’s diverse societies. By the end of the module, you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to engage in effective debates addressing complex issues within Roma communities and beyond. 

Gain hands-on experience as an intern with one of our partners. (September–December 2025) 

This immersive program will equip you with invaluable insights and practical skills, empowering you to lead and foster positive change within Roma communities. Your internship will be customized according to your profile, and, because interactions will be both online and in-person at designated locations, you will receive financial support. Think of this as a real-life mission to put your skills to the test.  

The Roma Leadership Program is perfect for you if: 

• You take pride in your Roma heritage. 

• You are at least 22 and have graduated with a high school diploma or the equivalent. 

• You currently live in Bulgaria, Germany, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, or Slovakia. 

• You are fluent in English (B1 level). 

Application Process – Submit your application, including all the following required documents, to RLP@roma.education:   

• Affidavit regarding your ethnic identity.   

• Curriculum vitae (CV), highlighting your past activities and experience, particularly those related to Roma communities.  

• Identity card or another document verifying your age and residence.  

• Diploma or certificate verifying the highest level of education you have completed.  

• A letter of intent on the topic “How I can contribute to the Roma organizations’ efforts to sustain Roma community development and resilience.”  This is extremely important, so please give it your full effort. You may also choose to present your letter in a video or PowerPoint presentation, or in another creative format that best showcases your ideas. 

The selection process includes the review and screening of applications, interviews, and final decisions by a five-member selection committee based on leadership potential and community engagement. 

• Application review and screening: The committee will assess applications based on the eligibility criteria, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for the interview stage based on their eligibility and potential. 

• Interview process: Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by a diverse panel. The interview will focus on commitment, leadership potential, and alignment with the program’s objectives. The assessors will evaluate demonstrated leadership potential during the interview. 

• Final selection: The selection panel will deliberate, ensuring a fair and unbiased process. Diverse perspectives and expertise will be considered in the final decisions. Selected participants will be notified by email or phone. 

Do you like what you’ve read? Then it’s time to act! Apply now to start your leadership journey. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Roma Leadership Program here

For more information, please contact program coordinator Alexandru Zamfir at  alexandru.zamfir@roma.education. 

Roma Leadership Program is powered by the Roma Foundation for Europe (RFE) Network – an alliance of Roma-led organizations that combines the expertise and knowledge of the Roma Education Fund, European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture, the Roma Entrepreneurship Development Initiative, Roma for Democracy and Roma Foundation for Europe. The RFE Network aims to transform perceptions of Roma, realize their potential, and develop solutions that benefit both Roma communities and the European economy.