Roma Education Fund

Empowering Vulnerable Students Through Technology | Digital Skills Academy

Posted on April 22, 2025 by admin2

BUCHAREST, Romania – A new initiative aimed at bolstering digital literacy among disadvantaged youth has been launched by REF Romania and Accenture Romania. The Digital Skills Academy, now being implemented in eight schools nationwide until June 2025, intends to equip 255 students with the fundamental digital competencies increasingly vital in today’s economy.

The Digital Skills Academy is strategically designed with a multi-pronged approach:

• Boosting Foundational Skills. The core objective is to elevate the computer and digital proficiencies of children from Romania’s most vulnerable communities.
• Cultivating Innovation. The curriculum actively encourages creativity, innovative thinking, and the development of critical analytical skills.

“Our partnership with Accenture Romania is more than just collaboration; it’s a shared commitment to the future of Roma children and youth. Together, we’re building a generation that is not only digitally skilled but also confident, creative, and ready to contribute meaningfully to their communities and Romania as a whole. We deeply value Accenture’s ongoing support and anticipate many more impactful education initiatives together” – Monica Călin, Programs Director REF Romania

A key and highly anticipated component of the academy is the Digital Skills Academy Olympiad. This creative competition challenges participating students to conceptualize and design a digital project using the skills they acquire throughout the program. With the inspiring theme, “An Idea to Uplift the Future of My Community” students are encouraged to focus on pressing local issues such as health, environmental sustainability, education, and the development of smart cities.

The Olympiad culminates in an awards ceremony where the most innovative and impactful projects will be celebrated, shining a spotlight on the ingenuity and forward-thinking of these young participants.

The Digital Skills Academy is being delivered through a blended learning approach, incorporating both online and in-person sessions across a geographically diverse set of REF’s partner schools:

• Beica de Jos Secondary School (Mureș County)
• Tărlungeni Secondary School (Brașov County)
• Brădeni Secondary School (Sibiu County)
• Al. I. Cuza – Podu Iloaiei Secondary School (Iași County)
• Valea Moldovei Secondary School (Suceava County)
• Scărișoara Secondary School (Olt County)
• School No. 31 (Bucharest)
• Pinocchio Center (Bucharest)

The Digital Skills Academy represents a key community engagement initiative for Accenture Romania, directly aiming to equip individuals with skills for future careers. Launched by Accenture Romania in 2020, this fifth edition builds on the success of previous years. The program’s core mission is to narrow the digital skills gap among young people from vulnerable socio-economic backgrounds, ultimately boosting their confidence and aspirations for future opportunities.

“In its 5th year, the Digital Skills Academy has reached over 5,000 children from Romania’s vulnerable communities, with the help of more than 450 Accenture volunteers. Our beautiful collaboration with Roma Education Fund Romania has allowed us to extend the impact even further, having the opportunity to help also Roma communities! This isn’t just a collaboration; it’s a shared mission to empower together the next generations. We do more than teach digital skills; we inspire creativity, boost self-esteem, and build a sense of community among our young learners. Watching their enthusiasm and growth reinvigorates our commitment to making a real difference. Together, we are building a brighter future for these children, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in a digital world!” – Aliona Hlusov, Founder and Coordinator for Digital Skills Academy at Accenture Romania.

A Continued Investment in Digital Future | REF New Strategy

This latest iteration of the Digital Skills Academy builds upon a foundation of prior successful collaborations between REF Romania and Accenture Romania. Earlier initiatives, including a Digital Skills Academy at the One Stop Shop Center in early 2025 and digitalization workshops in 2024, underscore a consistent and long-term strategy aimed at embedding digital literacy within Roma communities.

The partnership between Roma Education Fund Romania and Accenture Romania demonstrates the power of collaboration in supporting vulnerable youth and promoting equal access to learning and development opportunities in the digital age.

REF is placing digital transformation at the forefront of its strategic objectives. Recognizing the imperative to foster resilience within our Roma communities in an increasingly digital world, the organization is prioritizing the development and implementation of cutting-edge educational programs for both children and adults. This forward-thinking approach signals a commitment to ensuring that Roma are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the modern, tech-driven world.

ANUNȚ LANSARE PROCEDURĂ ACHIZIȚIE SERVICII TIPĂRIRE ȘI LIVRARE TICHETE SOCIALE (4)

Posted on April 16, 2025 by admin2

Fundația Roma Education Fund Romania cu sediul în strada lt. Sachelarie Visarion, nr. 63, etaj 1, sector 2, București, Telefon 021/2000600, E-mail office@roma.education  anunță lansarea procedurii de achiziție de servicii tipărire și livrare tichete sociale (4) pentru beneficiarii proiectului “One-stop-shop” Centre for vulnerable migrants from Ukraine, Bucharest”.

Sursa de finanțare: Banca de Dezvoltare a Consiliului Europei

Fundația Roma Education Fund Romania a primit un Grant din partea Băncii de Dezvoltare a Consiliului Europei, în valoare de 542.000 Euro, pentru finanțarea proiectului “One-stop-shop” Centre for vulnerable migrants from Ukraine, Bucharest”.

Sumele aferente acestei achizițiii vor fi decontate din Contractul de finanțare LD 8048/ MRF-48-G-ROU (2022), semnat pentru implementarea proiectului.

Termenul limită de depunere a ofertelor: 6 mai 2025, ora 13:00.Documentația de achiziție pentru depunerea ofertelor poate fi accesată mai jos

ANUNȚ LANSARE PROCEDURĂ SELECȚIE CONSULTANȚI INDIVIDUALI

Posted on April 15, 2025 by admin2

Fundația Roma Education Fund Romania cu sediul în strada Lt. Sachelarie Visarion nr. 63, etaj 1, sector 2, București, Telefon 021/2000600, e-mail office@roma.education, anunță lansarea procedurii de selecție consultanți individuali, în scopul implementării proiectului “One-stop-shop” Centre for vulnerable migrants from Ukraine, Bucharest”.

Sursa de finanțare: Banca de Dezvoltare a Consiliului Europei

Fundația Roma Education Fund Romania a primit un Grant din partea Băncii de Dezvoltare a Consiliului Europei, în valoare de 542.000 Euro, pentru finanțarea proiectului “One-stop-shop” Centre for vulnerable migrants from Ukraine, Bucharest”.

Sumele aferente acestei achiziții vor fi decontate din Contractul de finanțare LD 8048/ MRF-48-G-ROU (2022), semnat pentru implementarea proiectului.

În scopul implementării proiectului menționat anterior, se achiziționează următoarele tipuri de servicii de consultanță:

1. Servicii de consultanță -Pedagog (consultant individual)

Termenul limită de transmitere a candidaturilor: 25 aprile 2025, ora 23.59.

Adresa de transmitere a candidaturilor: office@roma.education

ANNOUNCEMENT LAUNCHING THE SELECTION PROCEDURE FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS

Roma Education Fund Romania Foundation, with the headquarter at Lt. Sachelarie Visarion Street no. 63, 1st floor, sector 2, Bucharest, Phone 021/2000600, e-mail office@roma.education , announces the launch of the selection procedure for individual consultants, for the purpose of implementing the “One-stop-shop” Centre for vulnerable migrants from Ukraine, Bucharest” project.

Funding Source: Council of Europe Development Bank

Roma Education Fund Romania Foundation has been awarded a grant of 542,000 Euro from the Council of Europe Development Bank to fund the project  “One-stop-shop” Centre for vulnerable migrants from Ukraine, Bucharest”.

The funds related to this procurement will be settled from the Financing Contract LD 8048/ MRF-48-G-ROU (2022), signed for the implementation of the project.

In order to implement the previously mentioned project, the following types of consultancy services are being purchased:

1. Consultancy services – Pedagogue (individual consultant)

Deadline for sumission of applications: April 25, 2025, 23:59.

Application should be submitted to: office@roma.education

REF Romania angajează | Alătură-te echipei noastre!

Posted on April 9, 2025 by admin2

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: (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.

Dacă vrei să contribui activ la proiecte cu impact real în comunitățile vulnerabile din România, te invităm să îți depui candidatura pentru una dintre următoarele poziții:

Manager proiect

Asistent manager

Coordonator grup țintă

Coordonator servicii ocupare

Coordonator programe de formare profesională

Expert campanie piața muncii

Expert mediere pe piața muncii (Brașov)

Expert mediere pe piața muncii (București)

Expert tehnic

Responsabil financiar

Termen limită pentru trimiterea aplicațiilor: 30 aprilie 2025.

Alătură-te echipei noastre și contribuie împreună cu noi la creșterea rezilienței comunităților rome prin educație!

ANUNȚ LANSARE PROCEDURĂ SELECȚIE CONSULTANȚI INDIVIDUALI

Posted on March 31, 2025 by admin2

Fundația Roma Education Fund Romania cu sediul în strada Lt. Sachelarie Visarion nr. 63, etaj 1, sector 2, București, Telefon 021/2000600, E-mail office@roma.education, anunță lansarea procedurii de selecție consultanți individuali, în scopul implementării proiectului “One-stop-shop” Centre for vulnerable migrants from Ukraine, Bucharest”.

Sursa de finanțare: Banca de Dezvoltare a Consiliului Europei

Fundația Roma Education Fund Romania a primit un Grant din partea Băncii de Dezvoltare a Consiliului Europei, în valoare de 542.000 Euro, pentru finanțarea proiectului “One-stop-shop” Centre for vulnerable migrants from Ukraine, Bucharest”.

Sumele aferente acestei achiziții vor fi decontate din Contractul de finanțare LD 8048/ MRF-48-G-ROU (2022), semnat pentru implementarea proiectului.

În scopul implementării proiectului menționat anterior, se achiziționează următoarele tipuri de servicii de consultanță:

1. Servicii de consultanță – Profesor de limba engleză (consultant individual)

2. Servicii de consultanță -Pedagog (consultant individual)

Termenul limită de transmitere a candidaturilor: 4 aprile 2025, ora 23.59.

Adresa de transmitere a candidaturilor: office@roma.education

ANNOUNCEMENT LAUNCHING THE SELECTION PROCEDURE FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS

Roma Education Fund Romania Foundation, with the headquarter at Lt. Sachelarie Visarion Street no. 63, 1st floor, sector 2, Bucharest, Phone 021/2000600, E-mail office@roma.education , announces the launch of the selection procedure for individual consultants, for the purpose of implementing the “One-stop-shop” Centre for vulnerable migrants from Ukraine, Bucharest” project.

Funding Source: Council of Europe Development Bank

Roma Education Fund Romania Foundation has been awarded a grant of 542,000 Euro from the Council of Europe Development Bank to fund the project  “One-stop-shop” Centre for vulnerable migrants from Ukraine, Bucharest”.

The funds related to this procurement will be settled from the Financing Contract LD 8048/ MRF-48-G-ROU (2022), signed for the implementation of the project.

In order to implement the previously mentioned project, the following types of consultancy services are being purchased:

1. Consultancy services – English teacher (individual consultant)

2. Consultancy services – Pedagogue (individual consultant)

Deadline for sumission of applications: April 4, 2025, 23:59.

Application should be submitted to: office@roma.education

Parteneriat REF Romania și Universitatea Politehnica București | Proiectul „POLI Educație – O șansă pentru fiecare”

Posted on by admin2

Universitatea Națională de Știință și Tehnologie POLITEHNICA București, Fundația Roma Education Fund Romania, Liceul Tehnologic „Alexandru Ioan Cuza” din Buzău, Liceul Teoretic „Ștefan cel Mare” din Râmnicu Sărat și Liceul Tehnologic „Radu Negru” din Galați anunță lansarea proiectului „POLI Educație – O șansă pentru fiecare”, un program ambițios menit să sprijine accesul și succesul educațional al tinerilor din regiunea Sud-Est.

Acest proiect, implementat pe o perioadă de 26 de luni, are ca obiectiv principal creșterea accesului la învățământul superior și reducerea riscului de abandon școlar pentru 360 de elevi și studenți din regiune.

Obiectivele proiectului:

• Facilitarea accesului la studii universitare pentru 180 de elevi (ISCED 3-4) și absolvenți de liceu care nu au promovat examenul de bacalaureat.
• Reducerea abandonului universitar pentru 180 de studenți (ISCED 6) prin măsuri de sprijin educațional și socio-emoțional.
• Oferirea de sprijin financiar sub formă de subvenții pentru elevi și studenți.

Activități principale:

• Organizarea de evenimente de informare privind oportunitățile educaționale și prevenirea riscurilor sociale.
• Vizite în instituții de învățământ superior pentru elevii din liceele partenere.
• Servicii de mentorat și consiliere vocațională pentru studenți.
• Acțiuni educative privind prevenirea consumului de alcool și droguri și promovarea voluntariatului.

„Prin această inițiativă, ne propunem să oferim suport concret pentru elevii și studenții din regiunea sud-est, care se confruntă cu dificultăți socio-economice și provin din familii cu nivel educațional redus. Implicarea Roma Education Fund România reflectă angajamentul nostru constant de a contribui la dezvoltarea capitalului uman prin creșterea accesului la educație pentru tinerii romi, facilitând astfel integrarea socio-profesională a acestora și construirea unui viitor mai bun pentru comunitățile vulnerabile”. – Irinel Stefan, manager de proiect din partea Roma Education Fund România.

Prin activitățile sale, proiectul contribuie la dezvoltarea competențelor socio-emoționale și la prevenirea riscurilor sociale, pregătind tinerii pentru o integrare socio-profesională de succes. Acest program își propune să crească gradul de reziliență al tinerilor din regiunea sud-est, oferindu-le instrumentele și resursele necesare pentru a depăși dificultățile socio-economice și a-și construi un viitor mai bun. Prin sprijinul educațional și socio-emoțional oferit, proiectul „POLI Educație – O șansă pentru fiecare” contribuie la formarea unor tineri capabili să facă față provocărilor și să se adapteze la schimbările din societate, asigurând astfel un viitor mai prosper și mai echitabil pentru comunitățile vulnerabile.

REF is looking for a Country Facilitator in Montenegro for the project Increased Education Support and Opportunities for Roma Students in Western Balkans and Turkey (RARE), phase II

Posted on 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; 

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;
• 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: May 2025 (starting as soon as possible)

End date: December 2026. The Consultancy contract will be renewed for each academic year.

Location: Montenegro

Compensation:

• The envisaged no. of days of consultancy to be provided are estimated at approx. 65 days per academic year
• Gross amount per consultancy day is estimated at Gross 90 EUR/day

Application Process

 A complete application includes:

1.Curriculum vitae or resume

2. Statement of interest, that should include:

1. Your motivation and academic / education degree;
2. Any previous experience in working with state authorities, education and employment agencies; 
3. 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 13 April, 2025 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 in a position to respond to every applicant individually. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for the first interview.

CLARIFICĂRI DOCUMENTAȚIE ACHIZIȚIE TICHETE SOCIALE (3)

Posted on March 24, 2025 by admin2

Răspuns cereri clarificări documentație achiziție

Anunț lansare procedură de achiziție tichete sociale

Posted on March 12, 2025 by admin2

Fundația Roma Education Fund Romania cu sediul în strada lt. Sachelarie Visarion, nr. 63, etaj 1, sector 2, București, Telefon 021/2000600, E-mail office@roma.education  anunță lansarea procedurii de achiziție de servicii tipărire și livrare tichete sociale pentru beneficiarii proiectului “One-stop-shop” Centre for vulnerable migrants from Ukraine, Bucharest”.

Sursa de finanțare: Banca de Dezvoltare a Consiliului Europei

Fundația Roma Education Fund Romania a primit un Grant din partea Băncii de Dezvoltare a Consiliului Europei, în valoare de 542.000 Euro, pentru finanțarea proiectului “One-stop-shop” Centre for vulnerable migrants from Ukraine, Bucharest”.

Sumele aferente acestei achizițiii vor fi decontate din Contractul de finanțare LD 8048/ MRF-48-G-ROU (2022), semnat pentru implementarea proiectului.

Termenul limită de depunere a ofertelor: 26 martie 2025, ora 13:00.Documentația de achiziție pentru depunerea ofertelor poate fi accesată mai jos

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Roma Leadership Program

Posted on March 7, 2025 by admin2

We have received many questions and provided a series of answers and clarifications about the Roma Leadership Program. Here are the most frequently asked questions from our applicants, along with our answers.

Q: What is the maximum age for enrollment in the program?

A: There is no maximum age for enrollment in the Rome Leadership Program.

There is only a minimum age of 22.

Q: How will the program take place, online or face to face?

A: The Roma Leadership Program has 3 components:

1. The Masterclass “Art of Resilience and the Future of European Roma” – ONLINE only on our e-learning platform

2. Internship – online & face to face meetings

3. The Closing Ceremony – face to face celebration event

Q: Which countries are eligible?

A: Bulgaria, Kosovo, Germany, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia.

Q: If someone has residency in one of these countries and lives there, even if they originate from somewhere else, can they apply?

A: Yes, if they provide evidence of residence in one of these countries, they can apply.

Q: If someone is originally from one of the countries: Bulgaria, Kosovo, Germany, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, but currently resides and lives in another country, can they apply?

A: No. It is important that the applicant has residency in one of the eligible countries mentioned in the Call, especially from the perspective of participation and involvement in the internship, at one of the REF headquarters or those of the partners involved in the Roma Leadership Program.

For this year’s edition of the Roma Leadership Program, we have included first of all countries in which Roma Education Fund, or one of our strategic partners: Roma Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (REDI), Roma for Democracy , the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC), and the Roma Foundation for Europe , operates and has an intense activity.

Q: Who needs to issue the Affidavit regarding my ethnic identity? Do I do it myself or an institution/organization?

A: There is no need to involve any institution/ organization for the Affidavit regarding your ethnic identity. You can do it yourself by filling in a document (Word/PDF) in which you explicitly state your Roma ethnicity and then you sign it.

Q: Can someone attend only the Masterclasses?

A: No. The Roma Leadership Program has 3 components: the Masterclass, the Intership, and the Closing Ceremony. Those admitted to the program must be actively involved in all three components.

If the demand for participation in our Masterclasses increases in the future, we will consider offering this component to a wider audience in another framework as well. We’ll keep you updated on this.

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.