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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Roma Leadership Program

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. 

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The World Bank

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.
The World Bank

Open Society Foundations

Financially supports civil society groups around the world, with the stated aim of advancing justice, education, public health and independent media.
Open Society Foundations