Empowering Vulnerable Students Through Technology | Digital Skills Academy
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.
