REF Serbia is Launching the QualiROM Project
The ‘Guiding Roma Youth to Quality Education and Employment: QualiROM’ project aims to ease the transition of young Roma from Serbia into employment. This initiative will support 250 youths in identifying their educational and career paths, making informed decisions, and ensuring a smooth transition into their professional lives. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) though Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)).
This initiative builds on REF’s previous efforts to improve education and integration for Roma communities, but it takes a crucial step further by focusing on the transition from education to employment—a vital stage for young Roma. By developing job-related skills, providing practical internship experiences, and fostering public-private sector collaboration, the project not only enhances the employability of young Roma but also empowers them to make informed career decisions. Additionally, the innovative Virtual Coaching Platform offers a cutting-edge solution to bridge the digital divide, providing a space for young Roma to share ideas, gain knowledge, and improve their employment prospects – Adi Sinani, project manager REF Serbia.
Specific objectives of the project are the following:
- Strengthen employability of young Roma through internship programs, as well as through building their job-related professional and life skills.
- Improving the digital learning space for young Roma with new digital tool – Virtual Coaching Platform as innovative approach in reaching out and including young Roma and providing them a space for exchange, informing, and learning about employment perspectives.
- Strengthen cooperation among public and private sector in employment of young Roma.
- Raising awareness of young Roma of their rights and resources to equally access the labor market.
- Raising awareness of employers from the public and private sector on the importance of creation of inclusive working environment and of antidiscrimination in all aspects of employment.
The project will focus on providing opportunities for young Roma to explore, connect and practice their skills for job seeking though i) career fairs, networking events and direct communication with employers and ii) opportunities to gain practical experience though internships and online professional coaching. It also prioritizes inclusivity by raising awareness among young Roma about their rights and available resources and educating employers on the importance of fostering discrimination-free, inclusive workplaces.
QualiROM Project will enable young Roma, especially Romani girls, to access their rights, resources, and representation, making them visible, active, and equal participants in the job market.
Anticipated partners involved in the project areNational Employment Agency,German – Serbian Chamber of Industry and Commerce(AHA), Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labor, Employment Social and Veteran Affairs, Ministry of Human, Minority Rights and Social Dialogue and Agency for Qualifications, local self-governments committed to facilitate employment of young Roma, international organizations, private corporate industries, local Roma and non-Roma CSOs.
By engaging a broad spectrum of partners—from government bodies to local and international organizations—the project demonstrates a collective commitment to creating a more equitable society where young Roma can thrive as active, equal participants in the workforce. This initiative is a vital contribution to promoting social inclusion, reducing unemployment, and fostering long-term economic empowerment for Roma youth in Serbia. This is an great opportunity for all young Roma men and women who would like to raise their self-confidence, strengthen their business skills and embrace their identity” – Adi Sinani.
