Eveniment strategic organizat la Brașov în cadrul proiectului „Viitorul tău pe piața muncii”
Posted on April 27, 2026 by admin2
Pe data de 24 aprilie 2026, la sediul Instituția Prefectului Județul Brașov, a avut loc evenimentul „Mecanisme de colaborare pentru rezultate reale în tranziția de la educație la piața muncii”, organizat de REF Romania în cadrul proiectului „VIITORUL TĂU PE PIAȚA MUNCII! – Program de formare și dezvoltare profesională”, cod 330030.
Evenimentul, găzduit de Instituția Prefectului Județului Brașov, a reprezentat mai mult decât un cadru de prezentare a proiectului. Acesta a constituit un moment important de calibrare strategică a intervențiilor la nivel local și de consolidare a unui parteneriat funcțional între actorii relevanți în domeniul ocupării și formării profesionale.
În cadrul intervenției susținute de reprezentanții Roma Education Fund Romania, au fost evidențiate obiectivele strategice ale fundației, construite în jurul unor intervenții integrate menite să crească reziliența comunităților rome. Ocuparea forței de muncă este abordată nu doar ca rezultat final, ci ca un mecanism de incluziune socială sustenabilă, strâns corelat cu accesul la educație, formare profesională de calitate și servicii de sprijin adaptate nevoilor reale ale beneficiarilor.
Discuțiile din cadrul mesei rotunde au confirmat faptul că tranziția de la formare la angajare rămâne un punct critic, în special pentru persoanele din grupuri vulnerabile. În acest context, proiectul propus de fundație își asumă un rol de catalizator, vizând nu doar furnizarea de programe de formare profesională, ci și dezvoltarea unor mecanisme concrete de mediere și integrare pe piața muncii, în parteneriat cu angajatori și instituții relevante.
Participarea a fost una diversă și relevantă, reunind reprezentanți ai instituțiilor județene, autorităților publice locale, unităților de învățământ, organizațiilor neguvernamentale și ai mediului privat. Această diversitate a permis conturarea unui cadru de dialog aplicat, orientat spre identificarea soluțiilor concrete. În urma schimburilor de idei, s-au pus bazele unei colaborări interinstituționale orientate spre rezultate, esențială pentru implementarea eficientă a proiectului.
Un aspect important rezultat din discuții a fost nevoia de aliniere a intervențiilor existente și de evitare a fragmentării serviciilor, precum și necesitatea dezvoltării unor instrumente comune de lucru și monitorizare. În acest sens, Roma Education Fund Romania își propune să susțină dezvoltarea unui model de colaborare sustenabil, care să depășească logica intervențiilor punctuale și să contribuie la crearea unui ecosistem local funcțional în domeniul ocupării.
„Evenimentul de la Brașov a reconfirmat faptul că există deschidere și disponibilitate la nivel local pentru astfel de inițiative. Totodată, impactul real depinde de continuitatea dialogului și de asumarea unor angajamente concrete din partea tuturor actorilor implicați. În acest context, rolul Roma Education Fund Romania rămâne acela de facilitator și integrator de soluții, orientat spre rezultate măsurabile și schimbări sustenabile în viața beneficiarilor.” – Irinel Ștefan, director de programe Roma Education Fund Romania
Activitatea face parte din proiectul „VIITORUL TĂU PE PIAȚA MUNCII! – Program de formare și dezvoltare profesională”, cod 330030. Proiectul este susținut prin Programul Educație și Ocupare (PEO) și este finanțat de Uniunea Europeană.
Fundația Roma Education Fund Romania este prezentă la Swimathon București 2026
Posted on April 17, 2026 by admin2
Swimathon este cea mai mare inițiativă de strângere de fonduri prin intermediul sportului din România. Prin acest eveniment, ne propunem să strângem fonduri pentru cele două Centre de Educație Complementară din București.
Anul trecut, fundația noastră a inaugurat primul astfel de centru, în octombrie 2025, în Sectorul 2 al Bucureștiului, zona Pantelimon. Ca urmare a impactului pozitiv asupra societății, am deschis, pe 8 aprilie 2026, cu ocazia Zilei Internaționale a Romilor, al doilea Centru de Educație Complementară din București, în cartierul Giulești Sârbi, din Sectorul 6. Evenimentul a reprezentat un moment de bucurie, emoție și apartenență datorită grupurilor de tineri, și nu numai, care au luat parte la inaugurare. Sărbătorirea Zilei Internaționale a Romilor a propus tinerilor participanți (elevi de la Școala Secundară numărul 161 și Liceul Tehnologic Mihai I) numeroase ateliere interactive și educaționale pe teme diverse și de actualitate, precum robotică, exerciții creative de îndemânare, desen sau artă. Prin intermediul Swimathon, REF Romania își propune să continue să ofere tinerilor romi cunoștințe și educație în domeniile de interes a zilei de astăzi, pentru a crea viitori lideri!
Swimathon este o strângere de fonduri cu tematică sportivă organizată de Fundația Comunitară din București ce are scopul de a colecta capital pentru cauze umanitare, aflată la cea de-a 14-a ediție. Donațiile sunt realizate prin intermediul ,,înotătorilor’’, persoane care ,,înoată’’ fie real, fie virtual, pentru a promova campania și a aduna fonduri. În edițiile trecute, Swimathon a sprijinit peste 335 de proiecte și a strâns circa 1,8 milioane de euro prin intermediul donatorilor.
Anul, acesta REF și-a propus să strângă suma de 50000 de lei. Pentru donații, doritorii pot contribui accesând link-ul de aici .
Mulțumim anticipat pentru implicare!
Roma Education Fund opens its second Complementary Education Center in Bucharest, Romania
Posted on April 9, 2026 by admin2
PRESS RELEASE : Bucharest, April 8, 2026
Roma Education Fund Romania (REF) celebrated World Roma Day by opening its second Complementary Education Center (CEC) in Bucharest, in the Giulești Sârbi community (Sector 6). The event brought together children from the community, students from Secondary School No. 161 and Mihai I Technological High School, alongside representatives of local and national authorities. The Sector 6 City Hall was represented by Mayor Paul Moldovan, and the Ministry of Labour, Family, Youth and Social Solidarity by Director General Ștefania Andreescu, both institutions reaffirming their commitment to policies connected to the real needs of the community. Children participated in hands-on educational activities, from robotics workshops to creative exercises, designed to develop skills relevant for the future.
“We, the City Hall and the Directorate for Social Assistance and Child Protection, have a supporting role both for the community and for these great people who, through their expertise and energy, contribute to sustaining activities in this community and ultimately here in Sector 6,” said Paul Moldovan, referring to the work of REF Romania.
The activity also benefited from the support of officials from the Ministry of Labour, who conveyed the message of Minister Florin Manole, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to social inclusion and support for Roma communities.
“As a continuation of the Roma Voices project, funded by the Ministry, we believe this center can become a catalyst for the community and a genuine space for dialogue. We want initiatives and proposals to originate at the local level, from within the community, and later transform into relevant policies and funding,” explained Ștefania Andreescu, Director General at the Ministry of Labour.
The Complementary Education Centers (CEC) developed by REF are designed as educational infrastructures that emphasize performance, academic discipline, and the development of skills relevant to the labor market. The model follows an integrated intervention logic, where education generates skills, these are validated through economic participation, and the entire process contributes to shaping a new generation of leaders within communities.
“What we are building through these centers is part of a broader model that we are developing at an international level. Each new Complementary Education Center contributes to strengthening, in the long term, the REF model, which connects education with real opportunities and strengthens the resilience of Roma communities. At the same time, it represents a paradigm shift: from access-centered policies to policies that deliver results,” said Ciprian Necula, Executive President of REF.
The first Complementary Education Center was opened in October 2025, in Sector 2 of Bucharest, marking the launch of this model as part of REF’s strategy to build integrated systems at the community level. Designed as a multifunctional space, the center brings together education, social support, and employment guidance, following a logic that goes beyond one-off interventions and aims for long-term results.
The Complementary Education Centers in Bucharest, coordinated by Ioana Dorneanu, both the one in Sector 2 and the one in Sector 6, are designed as safe and innovative spaces where children develop the skills needed to navigate a constantly changing world. They offer a wide range of activities, from robotics and theatre to animation, personal development, and online safety education, within a structured framework that supports performance and the development of relevant skills.
“April 8 was dedicated to connection, learning, and solidarity, with every child who joined our activities being welcomed with openness and warmth. We are glad to see how education, culture, and creativity come together to create experiences that inspire and bring the community closer,” said Ioana Dorneanu, coordinator of the REF centers.
By expanding this model, REF is building an approach in which education becomes a development infrastructure, directly connected to real opportunities and to the formation of a new generation of leaders within Roma communities.
Strengthening Roma Youth Engagement Through Interactive Learning: Training in Pristina on REF’s Practical Guide
Posted on March 27, 2026 by admin2
Prishtina, March 25, 2026 – The Roma Education Fund (REF) organized two trainings in Kosovo*, focused on the presentation and practical use of the Interactive Practical Guide on Roma Youth Empowerment and Leadership, developed within the framework of the project EU Regional Action for Roma Education: Increased Education Support and Opportunities for Roma Students in the Western Balkans and Turkey (RARE II), funded by the European Commission (DG ENEST).
The Guide, titled “Practical Guide for Roma Youth Empowerment and Leadership – How to Work with Roma Youth to Bring Their Potential?”, was developed by Tanja Đorđević, Jovana Trbojević Jocić, and Mirjana Beara Benjak. It represents a comprehensive and interactive digital resource designed to support those working with Roma youth through mentoring, tutoring, and community-based approaches.
The first training session gathered Roma youth in tertiary education and was officially opened by Nataša Markovska, REF’s coordinator for secondary and tertiary education and access to employment within the project, who emphasized the importance of investing in Roma youth not only as beneficiaries, but as future leaders, changemakers, and active contributors to their communities. She highlighted that REF’s Guide is more than a learning resource, it is a tool to support young Roma in building confidence, strengthening their identity, and developing leadership skills needed to navigate education, employment, and civic life, encouraging participants to see themselves as agents of change shaping both their own futures and those of their communities.
Both training sessions were facilitated by our colleague Edis Galushi, country facilitator in Kosovo*. The first session, engaging Roma youth in tertiary education, focused on the module on Roma identity, encouraging participants to reflect on self-awareness, cultural pride, and resilience, and to explore how identity shapes their educational and professional pathways.
The second session brought together Roma youth in secondary education, alongside mentors working with Roma youth. Building on the identity component, it introduced mentoring, tutoring, and coaching approaches, with a focus on practical tools to support young people during key educational transitions.
Taken together, the sessions underscored that sustainable impact comes from pairing identity development with structured support systems, creating the conditions for Roma youth to grow into confident, engaged, and future-oriented actors.
Reflecting on the purpose of the Guide, one of its authors, Tanja Đorđević, emphasized that empowering Roma youth requires more than access to education. It requires creating spaces where young people can build confidence, explore their identity, and develop the skills needed to actively shape their futures. This perspective closely echoes the message shared during the opening of the training, underlining a common focus on identity, agency, and leadership as key elements of youth empowerment.
„Investing in Roma youth is one of the most sustainable pathways to building inclusive and resilient communities. Supported by the European Commission through DG ENEST, this initiative advances the empowerment of Roma youth by complementing access to education with concrete opportunities for young people to build confidence, strengthen their identity, and develop essential leadership skills. By creating such opportunities, the project contributes to a supportive climate in which Roma youth can thrive, actively shape their own futures, and become drivers of positive change within their communities and wider society.” – Monica Călin, Project Manager and Programs Director in REF Romania.
These training is part of a coordinated series of eight regional events, most of them delivered within the same week, designed to accelerate impact at scale. Positioned within the future of work agenda, these initiatives move beyond standalone interventions and contribute to building functional pathways that connect skills, identity, and opportunity. Through this approach, REF is advancing innovative, inclusive, and community-anchored models that equip Roma youth not only to realize their potential, but to actively participate in and shape the evolving labour market, driving more resilient, competitive, and equitable societies.
*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence
Roma Education Fund Romania angajează Ofițer de monitorizare și evaluare pentru proiectul Roma Voices.
Posted on March 23, 2026 by admin2
Locație: București || Durata contractului: 36 luni
Tip program: Part time || Tip job: Office
Despre proiect Proiectul Roma Voices își propune să contribuie la promovarea dialogului intercultural, a incluziunii și a educației privind diversitatea prin activități educaționale, culturale și participative dedicate tinerilor, profesorilor și comunităților locale. Intervențiile proiectului combină metode de educație non-formală, inițiative culturale și instrumente participative, cu scopul de a crește nivelul de conștientizare asupra diversității culturale și de a reduce stereotipurile și discriminarea.
Proiectul este implementat în parteneriat cu organizații cu experiență în domeniul educației, cercetării și programelor culturale și include dezvoltarea de resurse educaționale, evenimente culturale, inițiative participative și mecanisme de dialog comunitar.
Rolul poziției
Ofițerul de monitorizare și evaluare coordonează procesul de monitorizare și evaluare al proiectului, asigurând colectarea, analiza și raportarea datelor privind progresul și impactul intervențiilor. Persoana selectată va contribui la dezvoltarea instrumentelor de monitorizare, la analiza indicatorilor de progres și la formularea de recomandări pentru îmbunătățirea implementării proiectului.
Responsabilități principale:
Elaborează instrumentele și metodologia de monitorizare și evaluare;
Colectează și analizează date privind indicatorii de progres;
Realizează rapoarte periodice interne și contribuie la evaluările intermediare și finale;
Propune recomandări pentru îmbunătățirea procesului de implementare;
Responsabil cu realizarea rapoartelor de progres la nivel de proiect, inclusiv colectarea și integrarea raportarii progresului de la parteneri.
Experiență și competențe necesare:
Studii superioare;
Minimum 2 ani experiență în monitorizarea și evaluarea proiectelor;
Cunoștințe privind managementul bazat pe rezultate și indicatori de performanță;
Capacitate de analiză și sinteză a datelor;
Abilități bune de redactare și raportare;
Capacitatea de a lucra în echipă și de a coordona procese de colectare a datelor cu partenerii de proiect.
Persoanele interesate sunt rugate să transmită:
CV actualizat;
o scurtă scrisoare de intenție,
la adresa de email: recrutare@roma.education, cu subiectul „Aplicație – Ofițer de monitorizare și evaluare – Roma Voices”
Termen limită pentru depunerea aplicațiilor: 15 aprilie 2026, ora 23:59
DESPRE NOI
Fundația Roma Education Fund (REF) este o organizație internațională fondată în 2005 de către Banca Mondială și Open Society Foundations. În cei 20 de ani de activitate, rețeaua REF a investit peste 120 de milioane de euro în proiecte educaționale de calitate, programe de care au beneficiat peste 100.000 de romi de toate vârstele, din 16 țări.
În concordanță cu noua sa misiune strategică, echipele Fundației din cele patru țări în care activează – România, Slovacia, Serbia și Macedonia de Nord – colaborează strâns cu comunitățile rome pentru a atinge trei obiective strategice principale: (1) Dezvoltarea de modele educaționale complementare, menite să crească și să consolideze reziliența comunităților rome; (2) Crearea de programe de angajare eficiente pentru romi, adaptate la evoluția piețelor muncii; (3) Investiții țintite în educație și leadership, cu scopul de a dezvolta capitalul uman în rândul populației rome.
NOTĂ – Fundația Roma Education Fund promovează principiile egalității de șanse și diversității în procesul de recrutare. Sunt încurajate să aplice toate persoanele care împărtășesc valorile noastre și care îndeplinesc cerințele postului, indiferent de etnie, gen sau statut social. În mod particular, sunt încurajate aplicațiile din partea persoanelor care se identifică drept romi, inclusiv ale femeilor rome și ale foștilor beneficiari ai programelor REF.
Important – Din cauza numărului mare de înscrieri, din păcate, REF nu are posibilitatea de a răspunde individual fiecărui candidat. Vă rugăm să rețineți că doar persoanele selectate pe lista scurtă vor fi contactate pentru un prim interviu și un test de evaluare. Apreciem interesul tuturor celor care aleg să aplice și vă asigurăm că fiecare candidatură va fi analizată cu atenție.
OPEN CALL FOR TENDERS – Provision of Event Organization Services in Podgorica – Montenegro
Grant Contract no. CN 2022/439-850, financed by the European Commission. Title of the action “EU Regional Action for Roma Education: Increased Education Support and Opportunities for Roma Students in the Western Balkans and Turkey (RARE), phase II”.
Estimated Cost: €23,200, excluding VAT
Procurement Procedure: Local Open Tender
Awarding Criteria: Best Value for Money
Eligibility Criteria: To participate in this tender, tenderers must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Legal Standing: The tenderer must be legally registered and authorized to conduct business in the relevant jurisdiction. Proof of registration, such as a business license, must be provided.
Financial Stability: Tenderers must demonstrate sufficient financial resources and stability to execute the project. This may include submitting financial statements for the past three years or other evidence showing a positive financial position.
Experience: The tenderer must have a minimum of [3] years of experience in event organization or a related field. Previous experience with events of similar size and complexity or equivalent should be evidenced by a portfolio and/or references.
Compliance with Regulations: The tenderer must comply with all relevant laws and regulations, including health and safety, environmental, labour, and anti-corruption laws. Any breaches of compliance will result in disqualification (Declaration of Honour).
Insurance: The tenderer must possess the mandatory Travel Guarantee Insurance (Garancija putovanja) or equivalent.
Tender Submission:
Interested tenderers should submit their tenders in accordance with the specifications and requirements outlined in the tender dossier. The tender dossier can be downloaded from the link below:
Tenders will be opened on April 1st, 2026, at 12:00 PM. The opening will be held at Roma Education Foundation Headquarter based in Majke Jevrosime 51, Belgrade (Stari Grad), Serbia.
Additional Information: For any questions or additional information, please contact Ms. Svjetlana Mandrino at rareproject@roma.education
Publication Date: March 17th, 2026
A Generation on Hold
Posted on February 5, 2026 by admin2
Romania has a peculiar talent for turning structural problems into moral debates with no practical solutions. This is also the case with the NEET youth, those who are not in education, employment, or training. For years, Romania has ranked first in the European Union in terms of the share of NEET young people: nearly one in five Romanian youth aged 15–29 are in this situation, far above the EU average, writes the well-known Roma activist Ciprian Necula in an opinion piece for the Romanian online magazine HotNews.
Dr. Ciprian Necula is the Executive President of the Board of the Roma Education Fund.
According to official data, the NEET rate among young people aged 20–24 consistently exceeds 20%, compared to a European average of around 11%. Yet, in a characteristically local manner, statistics often cease to affect us; they become cold, dehumanized numbers, even though they describe a generation caught between limited opportunities and structural barriers.
A chronic symptom for Roma youth
“NEET” is not an identity but a collective effect: underperforming schools in vulnerable areas, underfunded social services, an almost nonexistent transition between education and the labour market, and an economy that fails to include enough young people.
For Roma youth, this symptom becomes chronic. They often grow up in communities with poor infrastructure, weak schools, and experiences of discrimination that erode their trust in institutions. The result is a well-known vicious circle: school dropout, insufficient qualifications, informal work or unemployment, and the transmission of vulnerability to the next generation.
But what if we changed our lens? What if, instead of viewing Roma people only through the prism of deficit, we saw them as an opportunity? A Romania that is ageing and losing its workforce cannot afford to leave tens of thousands of young people on the margins. Inclusion is not charity; it should be an economic strategy.
“We are not talking about ‘saving’ Roma youth”
In this direction, the approach promoted by the Roma Education Fund and the Roma Foundation for Europe is essential: investing in the education and skills of Roma people as an investment in Europe’s future. Support for early education, mentoring, and school-to-work transitions shows that when barriers are reduced, potential can be transformed into performance.
Civil society has demonstrated that solutions exist: community centres, scholarships for students, “second chance” programmes, school mediation, mentoring, and employment support. The problem is that these initiatives too often remain islands of success, without systemic support.
This is why we need not confrontation, but genuine cooperation between government, local authorities, the business sector, civil society, and Roma communities. This should mean: quality early education in vulnerable areas, real school-to-work transitions through paid apprenticeships, social services present in communities, and professional, respected Roma mediators.
We are not talking about “saving” Roma youth, but about providing them with fair conditions to contribute. If they lose, we all lose.
Romania can continue to produce alarming statistics. Or it can transform this NEET generation, currently waiting for coherent policies and real cooperation, into the generation of the future.
This op-ed was originally published in Romanian by the online magazine HotNews.ro. Link here
Belgrade, Serbia on 2025.04.07. Photo: Akos Stiller
Christmas Celebration Brings Joy to Children and Youth at the One Stop Shop Centre in Bucharest
Posted on December 17, 2025 by admin2
On 15 December 2025, the One Stop Shop Centre hosted a joyful Christmas celebration for the children and adolescents who are part of the centre’s community, held at a playground in Bucharest. The event provided a festive space where participants could relax, play, and enjoy the spirit of the holiday season together.
Throughout the day, children eagerly explored the playground and took part in a variety of activities designed for different age groups. From photobooth, karaoke, basketball shooting games and climbing areas to billiards for the older participants, the atmosphere was filled with laughter, excitement, and positive energy. The activities encouraged teamwork, movement, and moments of carefree fun—an important opportunity for children and young people who benefit from the centre’s services.
The highlight of the celebration was, of course, the long-awaited arrival of Santa Claus. Greeted with smiles and applause, Santa brought holiday cheer and distributed gifts to all the children and adolescents present. The moment created a sense of warmth and belonging, reminding everyone that the holidays are about generosity, joy, and shared experiences.
Reflecting on the importance of the event, the Centre’s coordinator emphasized the deeper meaning behind such moments:
„This Christmas, once again, our team celebrated alongside the children from the One Stop Shop Centre, sharing moments of joy, laughter, and togetherness. Seeing the children’s excitement as they received gifts from Santa Claus reminded us that beyond presents or games, what truly matters is that they feel seen, safe, and valued. For children who have found a home away from home at the Centre, creating moments of joy and normality is essential to their emotional well-being and to building trust and confidence in the future. said Monica Călin, REF program director.
Through events like this, the One Stop Shop Centre provided not only educational and psychosocial support, but also meaningful experiences that strengthen confidence, happiness, and a sense of togetherness for children and young people in vulnerable situations.
„For three years, this project was more than an activity – it was a home, an open heart, and a big family, created from children who did not know each other at first, but who grew together, supported one another, and loved each other like siblings. It is hard to accept that the project is coming to an end. The children and parents told us how much they will miss this family, this warm atmosphere, this place where every child was seen, loved, and valued.” said Izaura Dryma, One Stop Shop Center facilitator.
Vacancy Announcement for Country Facilitator in Montenegro
Posted on December 16, 2025 by admin2
The Roma Education Fund (REF) is looking for a Country Facilitator position under Consultancy contract to ensure implementation of the project activities in Western Balkans and Turkey within the REF project “Increased education support and opportunities for Roma students in Western Balkans and Turkey” funded by European Union.
The Facilitator should closely collaborate with the national/local institutions and REF implementing partner organizations in the Republic Montenegro of implementation on access to quality education at all levels for Roma children and youth and facilitate opportunities for Roma youth employability. Accordingly, the Facilitator will act as REF National Focal Point for the Republic Montenegro and in collaboration with the project team will oversee the implementation of the project at the country level.
Background
The project EU Regional Action for Roma Education: Increased Education Support and Opportunities for Roma Students in the Western Balkans and Turkey (RARE), phase II constitutes a second phase of the already-implemented project during 2018-2021 by REF. During the first phase of the project, the education services provided through the seven project countries (Albania – ALB; Bosnia and Herzegovina – BIH; Kosovo – KOS; Montenegro – MNE; North Macedonia – MAC; Serbia – SER; Turkey – TUR) amounted to involving more than 4500 Roma children and youth (from all educational levels) in education activities. The present project continues the gains and results of the initial project, while, at the same time, creating a well-founded base for children and youth inclusion and participation in education.
The project objectives will be achieved through:
Contribution to improving the educational outcomes of Roma children and youth. Through the activities, the children and the students will benefit from pre-school education and enrolment into primary schools, scholarship provision for Roma students in secondary and tertiary education, including mentoring and support.
Generate support in the transition of Roma students from education to employment. Secondary and tertiary students will benefit from an employability-aimed approach (training on soft skills, material support, internship opportunities and experience exchanges etc.).
Promote inclusive education within the education systems of the project countries. The project will build capacities of relevant authorities and their understanding of the specific challenges faced by the Roma community, support regional networking and exchanging experiences with the aim of contributing to mainstreaming of Roma in the relevant policy domains.
Increase access and participation of Roma girls in education and contribute to improved gender equality.
In this sense, beneficiaries will be selected according to criteria that will support and promote gender equality in the sense that priority will be given to girls/women to be included in the project, thus ensuring gender inclusion throughout the entire period of the implementation of the project (related to all specific objectives).
The project is expected to run until December 2026.
Project’s Activities are:
Expanding access to quality Early Childhood Education/ECD services;
Expanding access to quality primary school education;
Increasing performance and employability of Roma secondary school students;
Increasing access and participation of Roma students in tertiary education and transition to labour market;
Contributing to policy development and regional knowledge exchange and communication.
Description of Responsibilities for the Country Facilitator
The Country Facilitator under direct supervision and guidance of the Project Team based in REF Headquarters Office in Belgrade and Bucharest is expected to undertake the following tasks:
Develop, plan and organize project related activities for the Republic Montenegro;
Act as a national project focal point for REF in the Republic Montenegro thus representing the project within the country;
Interact with REF implementing partner organizations and other field professionals in the Republic Montenegro;
Check and ensure that implementing partners submit regularly reports (both financial and narrative, and required annexes) as required under the terms of the contract;
Disseminate, comment strategy/position papers that provide direction on education and employment policy issues impacting the field and/or offer suggestions about strategic project developments for REF and implementing partners;
Build and establish strategic relationships with education and employment institutions, CSOs and other relevant associations in the Republic Montenegro;
Stay abreast of developments in the field, research and participation in relevant conferences and/or meetings;
Regular field monitoring, collecting data and reporting to the project team;
Perform other duties as required;
Other:
Travel requirements: frequent travel nationally and if required internationally (e.g. project’s countries);
Participating in the REF organized trainings/events;
Resident of the Republic Montenegro.
Required Education and Experience
Bachelors’ degree/BA or equivalent degree; advanced degree preferred;
Minimum three years of relevant experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
Ability to understand and read financial documentation (budgets and expenditure lists);
Experience in working in CSO sector is essential;
Experience and competencies in working in a multicultural environment;
Previous experience in working with Roma and/or Roma CSOs.
Skills required
In-depth knowledge and understanding of the Roma context in the Republic Montenegro and the Region;
Effectively work as a team member, as well as independently, with a high-level of self-motivation and ability to set and meet goals;
Good knowledge of key organizations, education and employment networks active in the Republic Montenegro;
Ability to communicate ideas in a manner conducive to their practical application;
Excellent organizational, analytical, communication and interpersonal skills;
Fluency in written and spoken English language and Montenegrin language;
Knowledge of Romani language is considered an added value;
Proficient level of computer literacy (Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Zoom, etc.);
Driver license is considered an added value;
Start date: starting as soon as possible
End date: November 2026.
Location: Montenegro
Compensation:
The envisaged no. of days of consultancy to be provided are estimated at approx. 82 days
Gross amount per consultancy day is estimated at Gross 90 EUR/day
Application Process
A complete application includes:
Curriculum vitae or resume
Statement of interest, that should include:
a. Your motivation and academic / education degree;
b. Any previous experience in working with state authorities, education and employment agencies;
c. Your previous experience working with Roma communities and civil society organizations (CSOs) or other relevant organizations in the respective country;
Application must be made in English and must be submitted at the latest by 11 January, 2026 to the following address: rareproject@roma.education. Please include in the subject line “Country Facilitator Montenegro”.
Individuals identifying themselves as Roma, Roma Education Fund scholarship recipients, and fulfilling the above-mentioned profile and requirements are encouraged to apply. Qualified female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.
Important:To avoid conflicts of interest, individuals who are part of, or affiliated with implementing partner organizations supported within this project cannot apply on this call.
Due to a high number of applications, unfortunately, REF is not able to respond to every applicant individually. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for the first interview.
Regional Capacity Building Event in Skopje Strengthens Collaboration, Learning, and Vision for Roma Education and Employment Across the Western Balkans
Posted on December 10, 2025 by admin2
Roma Education Fund organized the Regional Capacity Building for Elevating Best Practices in Education and Employment event on December 3rd and 4th in Skopje, North Macedonia, as part of the EU Regional Action for Roma Education – RARE Phase II project.
The two-day gathering brought together implementing partners, country facilitators, educators, project teams, and experts from across the Western Balkans to reflect on progress, share experiences, and strengthen their capacity to support Roma children and youth through high-quality educational interventions.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from Claudia Craiu, REF’s Director of Public Affairs, followed by an overview of project achievements delivered by Monica Călin, RARE Project Manager and Education Programs Director of REF Romania. Their contributions set the tone for a dynamic and collaborative space focused on knowledge sharing and practical learning.
Claudia CRAIU
Throughout the two days, participants engaged in group sessions structured around the full education cycle – Early Childhood (ECD), Primary (PRI), Secondary (SEC), and Tertiary Education (TER) – ensuring that discussions reflected the diversity of challenges and opportunities at each educational level.
Key workshops and capacity-building sessions included:
Summary Session: Challenges, Successful Approaches, and Strategic Priorities for Year 3 | Facilitated by Ana Duraki and Nataša Markovska Momčilović, RARE Project Officers
Ana DurakiNataša Markovska Momčilović
The workshop was held in two separate sessions to engage different groups of implementing partners, one dealing with Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Primary (PRI) education levels, and the other focused on Secondary and Tertiary education. The purpose was to create space for each group to reflect on key aspects of the project intervention, exchange challenges and good practices, and define shared priorities. Both sessions concluded with facilitators guiding participants through the main goals and agreements for the current project year.
Financial Implementation Review: Challenges, Lessons Learned, and Outlook | Facilitated by Dragana Rajić, RARE Financial Manager.
The session focused on various aspects essential for the successful financial management of project interventions. All participants responsible for finances and operations received an overview of Year 1 and Year 2 activities. The discussion addressed procedures, tools, and requirements to be followed, with special emphasis on rules for collecting and reporting financial documentation as part of project management.
Dragana Rajić
Gender-Sensitive Approaches & Participation of Roma Girls | Trainer: Ioana Dorneanu, National Coordinator of REF Complementary Education Centers, Romania
The gender-focused segment of the event was especially important for the REF team, as gender equality remains one of the key priorities within the project intervention. The emphasis is placed on ensuring that at least 50% of the beneficiaries are women and girls, and on identifying and addressing potential gender-related barriers. The session provided space to reflect on the importance of gender mainstreaming, introduced relevant tools and approaches, and, most importantly, enabled a discussion on common challenges organizations and individuals can face when working to engage Roma girls. Participants also exchanged constructive solutions and practices that have proven effective in overcoming these challenges.
Ioana Dorneanu
Power Up Education: Tools for Stronger Learning Environments (ECD & PRI) | Trainer: Stanislav Daniel, Team Leader for Complementary Education Centers, REF Network
The capacity-building component of the event was specifically tailored to meet the needs of each group of implementing partners. This particular session was designed for those engaged in Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Primary (PRI) education levels. The session focused on exploring key concepts that position early education as the foundation for long-term change, including the “whole child” approach, the role of “strategic cynics,” and the vision of “ethical utopians.” A central part of the discussion was also dedicated to the rationale behind REF’s Complementary Education Centers, which serve as a cornerstone of REF’s new strategy and intervention pillars.
Stanislav Daniel
Skill Up! Youth Skills for Real Opportunities (SEC & TER) | Trainer: Marina Savkovic, Team Leader for Skills and Employment, REF
This part of the event focused on exploring the pathways to adequate employment and the tools and processes that support a smoother transition from education to the labor market. Participants discussed both the challenges and good practices, highlighting approaches that empower youth through relevant experiences such as mentorships, internships, and other opportunities to build practical skills and knowledge.
Marina Savkovic
Lead Up! Empowering Youth Through Leadership Mentorship (SEC & TER) | Trainer: Alexandru Zamfir, Project Coordinator, Roma Leadership Program, REF Romania
During the session, partners involved in secondary and tertiary educational levels had the opportunity to learn about the approach developed through the Roma Leadership Program, initiated by the Roma Foundation for Europe Network. This program brings together the capacities, expertise, and know-how of five major organizations – Roma Education Fund, European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC), Roma for Democracy, Roma Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (REDI) and Roma Foundation for Europe – with the aim of equipping Roma leaders with the skills, knowledge, and vision necessary to build resilient Roma communities across Europe.
Alexandru Zamfir
Field Visit to Šuto Orizari: Learning From Community Realities
The event concluded with a field visit to Šuto Orizari (Shutka), one of the largest and most culturally vibrant Roma municipalities in the Balkans. During the visit, participants toured local schools and met with the municipal leader, Mr. Dudush Kurto, Mayor of the district, gaining firsthand insights into community-led initiatives in education, social inclusion, and youth development. For many attendees, this experience was one of the most impactful elements of the program, providing an authentic understanding of both the enduring challenges faced by Roma residents and the resilient solutions emerging from within the community.
Reflections From Participants:
The regional gathering sparked deep conversations, new collaborations, and renewed motivation across the network. Several participants shared their impressions:
Monica Călin, RARE Project Manager and Education Programs Director, REF Romania
“The regional event held in Skopje brought together dedicated partners from across the region in a powerful space for learning, reflection, and collective growth. Over two days, participants engaged in meaningful exchanges on results, challenges, and successful approaches, while strengthening their capacity to support Roma children and youth through high-quality educational interventions. A highlight of the event was the field visit to Shuto Orizari, where participants visited local schools and took part in a dialogue with the municipality leadership. This experience offered an authentic look into community realities and showcased inspiring local efforts that can inform and inspire our work across the region. The event concluded with renewed motivation, deeper regional connection, and a shared commitment to advancing impactful and sustainable practices in the final year of the project. I am truly glad we had the opportunity to reconnect in person and create a genuine networking space where ideas, experiences, and inspiration could flow naturally.”
Draženko Čivčić and Nedžad Jusić, EuroRom, Bosnia and Herzegovina
“On behalf of the EuroRom team, we are thankful for the opportunity to meet colleagues from other countries, share experiences on Roma situations and project implementation. The capacity-building sessions supported interactivity, teamwork and also fun. Trainers kept participants focused, enabling real learning. We also appreciate the major effort invested in the logistics of this event.”
Emiliano Aliu, Roma Versitas Albania
“I joined this regional gathering to take an honest look at what’s working, what’s not, and what we need to strengthen as we move into the next phase of the possible RARE project and REF’s new strategy. Over two days, I exchanged ideas with colleagues, learned from their experiences, and aligned on clearer priorities for supporting Roma youth. The visit to Shuto Orizari grounded everything in real community realities and reminded me why this work matters. I also learned more about the Roma Leadership Program, which is cultivating the next generation of Roma leaders and empowering young people to drive change within their communities.”
Hatice Çetinkaya – Sıfır Ayrımcılık Derneği (ZDA)- Türkiye
“It was truly a pleasure to meet the project team and all stakeholders in person as we enter the third year of this meaningful initiative. Learning from the experiences of other countries was incredibly enriching. We are also deeply grateful for the neighborhood visit and the meeting with the mayor. The organization was outstanding in every detail. Thank you for everything.”
Orhan Butić, VoRAE, Kosovo
“The two-day workshop was an extremely valuable experience for our team. Bringing together partners from eight countries created a strong platform for mutual learning, knowledge exchange, and a deeper understanding of our shared goals in education, inclusion, and empowerment of Roma communities. The sessions dedicated to gender equality, employment, and secondary education were particularly impactful, and the newly introduced Roma Leadership Program is highly relevant and timely. The study visit to Šuto Orizari enriched the workshop with insight into successful local practices. We return with a clearer vision, stronger partnerships, and renewed energy to enhance our programs in collaboration with REF.”
Avni Mustafa, Roma Versitas Kosovo
“It was a pleasure to take part in the regional event, which gathered experts and implementing partner organizations to explore effective practices in education and employment for Roma communities. The well-structured agenda provided meaningful insights across sectors, from early childhood to youth leadership. The discussions, group sessions, and field visit to Šutka were especially valuable for understanding practical solutions and regional trends. I commend REF for the excellent organization and its strong leadership within the RARE Phase II project. This gathering reaffirmed the importance of cooperation among institutions, civil society, and communities.”
Vladimir Tasić, Center for Your Integration, Serbia
“We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to participate in your event in Skopje. It was a true pleasure to meet colleagues from other countries involved in the RARE project. The sessions organized by your team were diverse, engaging, and valuable for our ongoing professional development, enriched further by the insights of participants from various backgrounds.Equally meaningful was the time spent with your team and fellow participants outside the formal sessions. These moments allowed us to connect on a personal level, hear their stories, and gain a deeper understanding of life in their communities. We were warmly welcomed by everyone, and we look forward to reconnecting with them at future events.”
Enkelejda Bakia, Save the Children, Albania
“The most meaningful part of the event for me was the outdoor activity, the field visit to the kindergarten/ learning center and the meeting with the mayor, where I witnessed the remarkable effort and dedication invested in ensuring the best for the community. Furthermore, as I have only recently started in this position, participating in this event was highly valuable for me. It provided an excellent opportunity to learn through the exchange of experiences, lessons learned, and the capacity-building sessions offered during the event.”
Dragan Gračanin, CRI Serbia
„On behalf of the Center for Roma Integration Valjevo, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the entire RARE project team and the Roma Education Fund for the excellently designed and implemented regional training held in Skopje, which was of multiple benefit to our team. The two-day programme was extremely valuable, enabling us to reflect on the implementation so far and jointly plan the third year of the project, while at the same time deepening our understanding of gender-sensitive approaches, the empowerment of Roma girls, the strengthening of educational outcomes, and the development of life and employability skills among Roma youth. Particularly useful were the practical sessions, peer exchange, and opportunities to learn from the experience of colleagues from across the region, which helped us better understand what works in supporting Roma students along the entire educational pathway. The knowledge, tools, and inspiration gained through this training will directly contribute to improving the quality and impact of our activities with Roma pupils, youth, and families in Serbia, and will support us in further developing inclusive, evidence-based programmes in the fields of education, employment, and community empowerment.”
Kristijan Angelkov, Roma Versitas Skopje, Macedonia
„First and foremost, we really appreciated the excellent organization by the REF team. It was also very nice to meet so many people with whom we have been working toward the same goal over the past two years, yet had never met in person. What impressed me the most was the session with Alex and the visit to the “Brothers Ramiz and Hamid” school.”
The exchanges and partnerships strengthened during these two days will continue to shape impactful educational and employment pathways for Roma children and youth across the region.
REF extends its gratitude to all trainers, partners, and participants for their valuable contributions and looks forward to building on these shared efforts toward a more inclusive and equitable future.
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An international financial institution that provides loans and grants to the governments of low- and middle-income countries for the purpose of pursuing capital projects.
