Roma Education Fund

Resistance Through Art III: Remembering Roma Resistance and Celebrating Five Years of „Starea Romilor” (Roma Status) in Bucharest, Romania

Posted on May 19, 2026 by admin2

On May 15, the third edition of Resistance Through Art event transformed the Cervantes Institute into a space of remembrance, reflection, and cultural expression, bringing together artists, civic leaders, institutions, and members of the community to mark Roma Resistance Day and celebrate five years of activity of the “Roma Status” digital platform and community.

Organized by REF Romania and Roma Status digital platform in partnership with Cervantes Institute in Bucharest, European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture – ERIAC Romania and Roma for Democracy Romania, the event explored how memory, culture, and public engagement continue to shape contemporary forms of Roma resistance. Through artistic interventions, poetry, visual arts, and music, the event created a dialogue between past and present.

Moderated by Gabriel Zorilă, communication officer at REF Romania and host of the Roma Status community, the event opened with the exhibition „Old Roots” by Romanian Roma artist Cristea Ionuț. Through oil paintings inspired by the history and collective memory of Roma communities, the exhibition established the evening’s central theme: continuity. His works explored the relationship between memory, identity, and survival, showing how cultural heritage continues to move across generations despite centuries of marginalization and persecution.

„Starea Romilor is a multi-channel social media platform developed by Roma Education Fund Romania. Through card-based posts and video content, the platform aims to contribute to building a more authentic and diverse public image of Roma people, with a focus on identity affirmation. Through our content, we promote Roma individuals who can serve as sources of inspiration for other young Roma, as well as for society at large.” – Gabriel Zorilă, coordinator of Roma Status

In his opening remarks, Mr. Abel Murcia Soriano, director of the Cervantes Institute, highlighted Spain’s declaration of 2025 as the “Year of the Roma People,” marking 600 years since the arrival of Roma communities on Spanish territory. His intervention reflected on the profound contribution of Roma culture to European identity while emphasizing the need to confront both historical and contemporary forms of discrimination affecting Roma communities across the continent.

The full speech here

Throughout the evening, speakers returned to the significance of May 16 as a defining moment in Roma history. The resistance at Auschwitz-Birkenau was framed not only as an act of survival, but as a symbol of collective dignity and historical continuity.

Mihaela Zătreanu, director of ERIAC Romania, reflected on the dual meaning of the date: one of mourning, but also one of courage and resilience. Referring to the Samudaripen, the Roma genocide during the World War II, she stressed that memory must become a resource for education, culture, and visibility, arguing that contemporary resistance now takes the form of education, artistic expression, leadership, civic participation.

Find the full speech here

Ciprian Necula, executive president of the REF Network, addressed the question of Roma identity and the historical burden of discrimination attached to it. His speech explored how Roma identity has been preserved across generations through language, family, music, craftsmanship, and collective memory, despite forced assimilation policies, persecution, and systemic racism.

„For us, Roma Resistance Day is not only about the past. It is also about the present and the future. It is about the difference between existence and disappearance, between dignity and silence,” he stated during the event.

Find the full speech here

The evening also connected historical remembrance with current political realities. Alin Banu, director of Roma for Democracy, warned about the resurgence of extremism, racism, and hate speech across Europe, emphasizing that remembrance must generate vigilance, institutional responsibility, and public action capable of protecting vulnerable communities.

Find the full speech here

One of the most emotional moments of the evening came through the artistic intervention of actress Oana Rusu, who recited the poem „What Are We?” by Izabela Marin. Through the image of a child trying to wash their skin white with milk, the performance explored the painful realities of internalized racism, shame, exclusion, and inherited trauma, while also portraying the resilience transmitted through family memory and care.

„Today we resist through art. My form of resistance is poetry,” Oana Rusu said during the event. „I wish for all of us to resist until the day when we no longer ask ourselves what we are, or at least until that question no longer comes from pain, but from curiosity.”

Find the moment here

The evening concluded with a concert by Urban Romano, whose performance brought forward another powerful form of cultural resistance: music. Reinterpreting traditional Roma music through contemporary influences such as jazz, funk, and bossa nova, the band demonstrated how Roma cultural heritage continues to evolve while remaining deeply rooted in collective identity and intergenerational transmission. This continuity became especially visible through the presence of saxophonist Sorin Niculae and his son, Antonio Niculae, a 10-year-old musician who performed on stage publicly for the first time this musical genre.

Find the concert here

The third edition of Resistance Through Art reaffirmed that May 16 remains more than a date of historical remembrance. It continues to represent a living call for dignity, visibility, education, culture, civic participation, and the refusal of silence in the face of racism and exclusion. Through art, public dialogue, and collective memory, the event demonstrated that resistance continues through the ongoing affirmation of identity, culture, and community.

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

Posted on March 17, 2026 by admin2

Contract Description:

The contract covers the provision of comprehensive services for organization and logistic a one-day regional event in Podgorica, Montenegro, tentatively planned for 27 or 28 April (TBC), when core one-day event will take place.  With arrivals and departures of participants the event will last three days (26–28 April or 27–29 April). Final dates remain subject to confirmation. The services include international air travel arrangements, accommodation, catering, event venue rental, transportation services including rented car, reimbursement of travel costs for participants travelling by private car from neighbouring countries, interpretation services with equipment, promotional materials and all other related logistical and support services necessary to ensure the smooth and efficient implementation of the event, which is expected to gather approximately 100 participants from various countries.

Funding Source:

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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).
5. 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: 

Tender-Dossier-for-services

https://roma.education/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Forms-and-Templates.docx

Submission Deadline:
April 1^st, 2026, 11:00 AM

Tender Opening:

Tenders will be opened on April 1^st, 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 17^th, 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

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:

1. Curriculum vitae or resume
2. 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.