Roma Education Fund Launches New Multifunctional Community Space in Sector 2, Bucharest
Bucharest, Romania, October 1 – The Roma Education Fund, in collaboration with the Municipality of Sector 2, opened a new multifunctional community space that combines three flagship programs under one roof: the One Stop Shop Center for Ukrainian Refugees, the Complementary Education Centers, and the “Master the Job Market! – Professional Training and Development Program”. The Mayor for sector 2, Mr. Rareș Hopincă was present.
The center, hosted within the General Directorate of Social Assistance and Child Protection Sector 2 complex, is designed to serve Roma children and youth, women, Ukrainian Roma refugees, job seekers from the community. More than a local project, it signals a long-term investment in inclusive education, employment, and community leadership.
“I want to thank the Roma Education Fund team for our excellent collaboration and for the projects we are implementing together for the community. The new center on 301 Pantelimon Boulevard is open to both your team and the wider community. We are grateful for your commitment and look forward to welcoming as many children as possible, so that together we can care for them and help secure the best possible future for them here, at home. This is only the beginning of what I hope will be a long-term partnership for the benefit of our community. I am confident that you are the right people for this mission: among you are highly respected specialists whose work I know and commend. At the same time, I believe that only by working together can we achieve the best results. I look forward to many more projects that will make a real difference.” – Rareș Hopincă, Mayor of Sector 2, Bucharest
Complementary Education Center: A Pilot for Inclusive Learning
At the core of the new facility is REF’s Complementary Education Center (CEC), which provides after-school support, remedial learning, civic education, digital training, and cultural programming. The CEC serves as a pilot model for inclusive education, gathering evidence to inform national policy. Equipped with smartboards, laptops, and Roma cultural elements, the center offers both practical resources and symbolic value.
Volunteer teachers and REF alumni will deliver lessons in Romanian, mathematics, and English. Digital literacy workshops will introduce safe online practices, while mentoring and weekend events aim to build confidence and aspirations among Roma children and youth.
The center also serves as a forum for civic engagement, hosting discussions on public administration, access to services, rights, and responsibilities. Guest speakers will address issues such as discrimination, health, and safety. Roma culture and identity are central to the program, with activities including storytelling, history sessions, and cultural workshops. A Roma Women’s Group will provide a safe space for women to share experiences, learn about their rights, and take part in health and leadership initiatives, supporting REF’s broader gender equality agenda.
Women stand at the core of any community, especially in our Roma communities. Ensuring that Roma women are heard and supported is a vital step towards inclusive development. We are sure that empowered women will contribute to a better community – Ioana Dorneanu, coordinator of the Center.
From Education to Employment: Master the Job Market!
Employment support is another cornerstone of the new model. Through the “Master the Job Market!” project, participants will gain skills in CV writing, job interviews, and career planning. REF will also provide counseling and connect beneficiaries with private sector partners for real job opportunities.
The center is piloting a new volunteer engagement strategy, training university students and graduates in pedagogy, psychology, and trauma-informed approaches while offering them practical experience as facilitators.
A Scalable Model for Inclusion
“This is more than a project launch. It’s the beginning of long-term transformation. By combining education, social services, and employment support under one roof, we’re creating a community-driven model that can be scaled across the country. Sector 2 is leading by example. And while we celebrate this milestone in Bucharest, we are equally excited about the international perspective. This is not one Center in isolation. It is the first of many we plan to pilot and gradually build into educational systems across our target countries. With each new Center, we are working toward inclusive, community-driven education that can build resilience of Roma across age groups and transform their futures”, said Stanislav Daniel, team leader for REF’s Complementary Education Center Strategic Objective.
One-Stop-Shop for Ukrainian Refugees
Originally launched in spring 2023 with support from the Council of Europe Development Bank’s Migrants and Refugees Fund (MRF), the One-Stop-Shop (OSS) provides integrated services for displaced families—particularly Roma refugees. The center offers legal and administrative guidance, psychosocial counseling, language and literacy courses, and educational activities for children.
In just two years, more than 400 beneficiaries have engaged with OSS programs. The center has become a trusted community hub, addressing urgent needs while creating pathways for long-term integration and inclusion.
“Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, many Roma families arriving in Romania have needed more than shelter—they have needed a community where they feel accepted and valued. For many, our One-Stop-Shop has become not just a service hub, but a place of solidarity and hope. Through classes, workshops, counseling, and family activities, we help refugees rebuild confidence and prepare for a better future. We are grateful to the Municipality of Sector 2 for supporting this vision and ensuring sustainability for both the project and the families we serve.” – said Monica Călin, Programs Director REF Romania.
Looking Ahead
For REF, the new multifunctional center is more than a local achievement. It is a test case for how targeted community programs can influence national systems and shape European policy debates. The organization plans to expand the model across Romania and beyond, demonstrating that inclusive, community-driven education and integration are not only possible, they are scalable.
