Strengthening Support and Expanding Impact: REF Activities in Albania and Montenegro
In May, the Roma Education Fund reaffirmed its commitment to promoting educational equity for Roma communities through a series of impactful initiatives in Albania and Montenegro. These efforts are part of the broader project titled “EU Regional Action for Roma Education: Increased Education Support and Opportunities for Roma Students in the Western Balkans and Turkey (RARE), Phase II.”
Funded by the European Commission through the Directorate-General for Enlargement and the Eastern Neighbourhood, the RARE Phase II project aims to enhance access to quality education for Roma students across the region. The project is implemented by REF Romania and REF Serbia, working collaboratively to address systemic barriers and create inclusive educational opportunities.
By implementing focused interventions and fostering strong community involvement, the Roma Education Fund continues to empower Roma students to overcome educational challenges and strengthen resilient Roma communities throughout the Western Balkans.
Monitoring Visit in Albania with RomaVersitas
A monitoring visit took place in Albania in collaboration with our implementing partner, RomaVersitas Albania, and several scholarship beneficiaries at both secondary and tertiary education levels. The meeting served as an opportunity to assess the progress of the scholarship program, gather feedback from students, and strengthen cooperation between REF and local actors.
The meeting was attended by:
- Emiliano Aliu, Executive Director of RomaVersitas Albania
- Frank Veliu, Secretary General for RomaVersitas Albania
- Marsela Thao, Country Facilitator for Albania
- Natasa Markovska Mocilovic, Project Officer, Roma Education Fund
- Claudia Gheorghe, Grants Officer, Roma Education Fund
- Beneficiaries of the DGENEST-funded scholarships
The exchange highlighted the transformative impact of the scholarship program in supporting Roma students’ access to and success in education.
A New Chapter in Montenegro – RARE Phase II Launch
In the first part of this month, in Montenegro, a new chapter was launched under the EU-funded Regional Action for Roma Education (RARE) – Phase II, supported by DG ENEST. The event, hosted by REF’s implementing partner HELP in Podgorica, brought together key national stakeholders, including representatives from the:
- Ministry of Human and Minority Rights
- Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation
- Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare
- Ministry of Health
- NGOs and Roma mediators
REF’s Ana Duraki presented an update on the progress and key outcomes of the regional initiative. She emphasized REF’s 20-year commitment to building systems that ensure equal access to quality education for Roma children and students, helping them thrive in an ever-changing world.
Notably, the launch also marked the establishment of Montenegro’s first official advocacy working group on Roma education.
The RARE Phase II project will be implemented in Podgorica, Berane, and Nikšić by HELP and Association Parents, with ongoing support from the Roma Education Fund.
Through sustained regional efforts and strong local partnerships, REF continues to pave the way for inclusive, equitable, and empowering education systems across the Western Balkans and beyond.
Results Regarding Selection of Implementing Partner Organizations
