Roma Leadership Program | Empowering the Next Generation of Roma Leaders
Do you want to make a real difference? Join the next generation of Roma changemakers!
The Roma Education Fund, the Roma Entrepreneurship Development Initiative, Roma for Democracy, the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture, and the Roma Foundation for Europe announce the Roma Leadership Program —a new opportunity for you to learn, connect with top Roma professionals, and help build resilient Roma communities.
Apply by March 13, 2025! MARCH 20, 2025!
The Roma Leadership Program is:
- An innovative learning program, including a masterclass and an internship, that will provide you with a practical and engaging learning experience. The program is designed to equip you with the tools, knowledge, and vision necessary for future leadership roles with organizations, networks, and institutions.
- A network of experts driving innovation in entrepreneurship, employment, culture, education, and democratic participation for Roma communities.
- A vibrant community of like-minded Roma who proudly embrace their identity and immerse themselves in the rich history, arts, culture, and political movements of the Roma people.
- An incredible opportunity to make a real difference by contributing to the development and resilience of Roma communities.
Program Highlights:
Dive into the “Art of Resilience and the Future of European Roma” masterclass. (April–July 2025) | Online
This masterclass has been designed by teams of experts from the Roma Foundation for Europe Network, five of Europe’s leading Roma organizations, all recognized for their understanding of Roma issues and their proven track records in advocacy, Roma arts and culture, entrepreneurship, and education. Drawing on their collective knowledge and experience, the masterclass offers an engaging and comprehensive educational program.
You will benefit from a curriculum of high academic standards that is also deeply rooted in the real-world challenges and opportunities faced by Roma communities. This unique collaboration ensures that the program will equip future Roma leaders with the skills and insights necessary to drive meaningful change.
To successfully complete the masterclass, you must finish all four modules:
- Roma Identity – History, Culture and Language, by the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture. (April 8–April 29)
The history of Roma identity is intricate and often disputed, marked by uncertainties, myths, and questionable claims, typically made by non-Roma authors. What do we mean by Roma identity? What elements constitute Roma identity? Roma history involves piecing together evidence from various empires, kingdoms, and states that did not prioritize Roma; how has this shaped the portrayal of Roma history by others? How have Roma historians approached this? What impact have new trends in historiography, such as cultural and linguistic turns, post-modernism, and the revival of narrative, had on the writing of Roma history? In this module, leading experts in history, art, culture, Roma identity, and the Romani language will answer these questions and others.
- Roma in the Making of European Governance: Defiance, Resilience, and Political Progress, by Roma for Democracy. (April 29–May 20)
The history of Roma politics spans centuries of upheaval, from medieval monarchies to contemporary democracies. The Roma have been cast as outsiders—marginalized, scapegoated, and exploited by regimes seeking to contain, control, or erase their identity. Feudal lords, empires, and nation-states alike treated the Roma as a problem to be managed, both in times of stability and during crises, when they were convenient scapegoats. Yet the Roma are not a footnote in European history. Despite attempts to suppress their identity, they have demonstrated remarkable political agency, engaging with and influencing the very systems that sought to exclude them. This module explores how the Roma, far from being passive victims, have asserted themselves as political actors in the face of overwhelming odds.
- Roma at the Steering Wheel: A Leadership and Management Journey, by the Roma Education Fund and the Roma Entrepreneurship Development Initiative. (May 20–June 10)
This module will help you understand and apply various leadership styles, including adaptive leadership, tailored to specific contexts within Roma communities. You will develop strategic thinking by developing visions, articulating strategic goals, and aligning team efforts to tackle complex community and organizational challenges. You will master team management by effectively handling diverse teams, resolving conflicts, and fostering collaboration with an emphasis on inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. You will learn by analyzing case studies involving Roma leaders and movements, drawing practical lessons for advocacy and community leadership.
- The Art of Debate, by all five organizations. (June 10–July 1)
Debate is an essential skill in today’s world—in education, professional and social life, online interaction, politics, and public administration. This module will give you a comprehensive understanding of the art of debate. Using content provided by the organizations in the Roma Foundation for Europe network, it will address subjects pertinent to Roma communities in Europe’s diverse societies. By the end of the module, you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to engage in effective debates addressing complex issues within Roma communities and beyond.
Gain hands-on experience as an intern with one of our partners. (September–December 2025)
This immersive program will equip you with invaluable insights and practical skills, empowering you to lead and foster positive change within Roma communities. Your internship will be customized according to your profile, and, because interactions will be both online and in-person at designated locations, you will receive financial support. Think of this as a real-life mission to put your skills to the test.
The Roma Leadership Program is perfect for you if:
- You take pride in your Roma heritage.
- You are at least 22 and have graduated with a high school diploma or the equivalent.
- You currently live in Bulgaria, Germany, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, or Slovakia.
- You are fluent in English (B1 level).
Application Process – Submit your application, including all the following required documents, to RLP@roma.education:
- Affidavit regarding your ethnic identity.
- Curriculum vitae (CV), highlighting your past activities and experience, particularly those related to Roma communities.
- Identity card or another document verifying your age and residence.
- Diploma or certificate verifying the highest level of education you have completed.
- A letter of intent on the topic “How I can contribute to the Roma organizations’ efforts to sustain Roma community development and resilience.” This is extremely important, so please give it your full effort. You may also choose to present your letter in a video or PowerPoint presentation, or in another creative format that best showcases your ideas.
The selection process includes the review and screening of applications, interviews, and final decisions by a five-member selection committee based on leadership potential and community engagement.
- Application review and screening: The committee will assess applications based on the eligibility criteria, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for the interview stage based on their eligibility and potential.
- Interview process: Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by a diverse panel. The interview will focus on commitment, leadership potential, and alignment with the program’s objectives. The assessors will evaluate demonstrated leadership potential during the interview.
- Final selection: The selection panel will deliberate, ensuring a fair and unbiased process. Diverse perspectives and expertise will be considered in the final decisions. Selected participants will be notified by email or phone.
Do you like what you’ve read? Then it’s time to act! Apply now to start your leadership journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Roma Leadership Program here
For more information, please contact program coordinator Alexandru Zamfir at alexandru.zamfir@roma.education.
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.
