Press Releases
From Education to Employment for Roma Youth in Kosovo
Pristina, Kosovo | 28 October 2026 Roma Education Fund Serbia brought together policymakers, representatives of public institutions and Roma civil society organisations in Pristina on 28 October 2026 for a national policy roundtable focused on strengthening pathways from secondary education to vocational training, higher education and employment for Roma youth in Kosovo. The meeting gathered [Read More]
Building pathways from secondary education to employment for Roma youth in North Macedonia
Skopje, North Macedonia | 27 October 2026 The Roma Education Fund (REF) North Macedonia brought together representatives of public institutions and policymakers in Skopje on 27 October 2026 for a policy roundtable focused on strengthening pathways from secondary education to vocational training, higher education and employment for Roma youth in North Macedonia. Hosted at the [Read More]
When schools fail, democracy pays the price
Educational equality does not mean investing equally in unequal communities. It means investing more where the disadvantage is greatest, so that every child has a genuine chance to succeed op-ed by Ciprian Necula, PhD and Sara Vasile, PhDC Europe pays attention to failing schools when the streets erupt. It pays far less attention when generations [Read More]
Four Roma Figures Enter Children’s Literature in the New „BARE RROMA„ Edition
Bucharest, 2 October 2026 Charlie Chaplin, Romica Puceanu, Carmen Amaya and Nicolae Gheorghe become the central characters of four illustrated children’s books launched in Bucharest as part of the third edition of the BARE RROMA collection. Developed by Asociația Cu Alte Cuvinte (CUAC) and REF Romania, the collection brings into the educational space the stories [Read More]
Employment Forum in Tuzla: Connecting Education, Skills and Employment Opportunities
On 18 September 2026, the Roma Education Fund (REF), in cooperation with its partner organisation, the Roma Association “Euro Rom” from Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, organised an Employment Forum focused on connecting education, acquired skills and employment opportunities for Roma women and men. The Forum was held at the premises of the Public Institution Employment [Read More]
New Partnerships, New Opportunities for Young Roma in Vojvodina
On September 16, 2026, Roma Education Fund Serbia (REF Serbia) and the Employers’ Union of Vojvodina signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in Novi Sad, with the aim of creating a more inclusive business environment and new opportunities for young Roma women and men. The cooperation will focus on promoting employment, improving access to quality education [Read More]
From REF scholarship to service: REF Alumnus Dr. Arif Pini Brings Medical Expertise Back to Roma Communities
Roma Education Fund North Macedonia organised two community workshops on cardiovascular health on 3 and 10 September in Shuto Orizari. The sessions focused on practical knowledge: recognising symptoms and risk factors, asking more targeted questions during medical consultations, attending regular health screenings, and adopting daily habits that can contribute to better long-term health. The workshops [Read More]
Roma Youth Leadership Bootcamp | Five Days of Learning, Friendship and Confidence in a New Generation
“I am the spark. We are the flame.” 30 August – 3 September 2026 | Divčibare, Serbia From 30 August to 3 September 2026, the Roma Education Fund (REF) brought together young Roma from across the Western Balkans and Türkiye in Serbia for the RARE Roma Youth Leadership Bootcamp, five days dedicated to learning, dialogue, [Read More]
Building Stronger Learning Communities: Supporting Roma Children and Families in Albania
For nearly two academic years, the Roma Education Fund (REF), together with Save the Children Albania, has been delivering the project “Roma Children Learn – Reducing Barriers for Education and Development” across Tirana, Shkoza, and Gjirokastër, supporting Roma children and families from early childhood through primary education. The initiative is carried out within the framework of [Read More]
REF Türkiye Policy Roundtable | Turning Education into Economic Opportunity for Roma Youth
On 19 August 2026, in Ankara, the Roma Education Fund (REF) brought together representatives of public institutions, international organisations, employers and Roma civil society for the REF Türkiye National Policy Roundtable, organised as part of the regional advocacy process under the RARE II project. The event brought together Ahsen Yıldırım, from the Directorate-General for Basic [Read More]
