Roma Education Fund

🌟 & Roma Education Fund: Empowering Roma Refugees from Ukraine 🌟
Yuliia Albul from UNHCR engaged on August 29th with our kids and parents, discussing gender-based violence and resistance strategies. She also demonstrated soft self-defence techniques. 🤝
Participants had meaningful conversations about the importance of awareness. Together with our partner, we created a collaborative space for discussion and learning. 💬✨. 👉 The OSS Centre project is dedicated to support Roma refugees from Ukraine and is financed through grants from the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB)’s Migrant and Refugee Fund. Established by the CEB in 2015, this trust fund has been used to help the Bank’s member states integrate migrants and refugees in their host communities throughout Europe.

🌟 “Tell Your Story” Competition for Young Roma from Serbia 🌟

Are you a Roma from Serbia aged 15-18, 18-25, or 25-30? We want to hear your story! Join this fantastic competition organized by Sporting Hearts Children’s Charity from Ireland, in collaboration with and the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture - ERIAC

This competition aims to empower young Roma, especially girls, to share their stories and get them published. Your voice matters, and we want to hear from you. Female stories will add unique and diverse experiences to our book. 📚✨

Everything you need to know about the competition, eligibility criteria and entry forms -

"Regardless of the official reasoning, the new decree clearly and disproportionately affects the already marginalised Roma refugees who now face homelessness," Zeljko Jovanovic, President of the Roma Foundation for Europe, commented. "On the day the decree entered into force, there were evictions of approximately 120 Roma, mostly women and children."

Hungary challenges EU's migration policy despite promise to be honest broker "The new decree clearly and disproportionately affects the already marginalized Roma refugees who now face homelessness."

✨End of and celebration of , a memorable experience for the children at in Bucharest, Romania 🎉

🌍Find out more about this experience of our children in the article in the first comment! 👇

🚨 ONLINE TRAINING OPPORTUNITY at European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture - ERIAC 🔵🔴🟢

📌Take an immersive journey into Roma history, exploring the cultural contributions of Roma communities and addressing the ongoing challenge of antigypsyism.

📅 When: September 10, 2024 | 10:00 - 17:00 CET
📋 Registration: link in comments

🔍For more information about the training activities, visit the website: www.eriac.org

TRAINING OPPORTUNITY 🟢 Join us for an in-depth exploration of the Roma history, the cultural contributions of Roma communities, and the persistent issue of antigypsyism.

When: September 10, 2024 / 10:00 - 17:00 CET

Registration form: https://forms.gle/B2vnLWe7ywMfhkKs5

For details on the training activities, please visit our website: www.eriac.org.

Project developed in the frame of the ERIACNET4EU project, financed by the European Commission.

🎓 We are keeping you updated on Alex Stan 's activities at the University of Sydney:

💬"I feel blessed and privileged, it’s a great opportunity and a great responsibility. The work I do here must be done for the Roma people. I want to return to Romania and put into practice everything I learn. When you advocate for one marginalised group, you advocate for them all. So many of the problems we face are universal." – Alex Stan, REF Scholar

🔗More in the article posted in the first comment⬇️

| To mark the European Holocaust Memorial Day for Roma and Sinti, the Roma for Europe Network members co-hosted a series of events, including a conference, an exhibition and a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau to commemorate the 4,300 Roma and Sinti who were murdered there 80 years ago on the night of 2 August 1944🔵🔴🟢

Part of our team members from Roma Education Fund Romania and Education Fund Serbia joined the events. The profound emotions they felt were overwhelming, as they confronted the weight of history and the memories of those lost.

💬“Experiencing Auschwitz - Birkenau first-hand is beyond words. Witnessing the sites you’ve only read about, where countless lives were lost simply for being different, is truly heartbreaking. Auschwitz stands as a stark reminder of the immense human suffering that occurred. Reflecting on these past horrors is crucial to ensure such atrocities never happen again” – Ioan Valentin Negoi, who holds a PhD in History and is the host of the RomStoria YouTube channel, a project dedicated to promoting the history of Roma in Romania. More here https://www.youtube.com/

💬“Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau on August 2, 2024, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Roma Holocaust, was an emotionally overwhelming experience, and I am almost certain that this heaviness is felt by anyone who steps onto these grounds. Standing on the site where 4,300 Roma and Sinti were murdered by SS soldiers in 1944, one is overwhelmed by the weight of history and the immense suffering that occurred there.

The experience reinforced my commitment to educate others about the atrocities of the Holocaust and to do my best to ensure that such tragedies are never forgotten and never repeated” – Gabriel Zorila, the host of the podcast , a project that promotes young Roma in Romania who have achieved their dreams through . More here https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=starea+romilor

💬"The commemoration of the Roma Holocaust should stand as a solemn reminder of the atrocities committed and the countless lives lost during one of history's darkest chapters.

Being in Auschwitz-Birkenau offered me a sobering reality check—a deep sense of grief and sadness that quickly enveloped me. It's surreal to stand in a place where such horrific acts of violence and murders were perpetrated. This day of remembrance is not only about honouring the victims but also about ensuring that the horrors of the past are never forgotten and that the lessons learned continue to resonate across generations" - Claudia Gheorghe, assistant manager .

🔗Link in comments for more about the event

📷Photos by European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture - ERIAC 🔵🔴🟢

🌏 Sydney Update: Nearly Three Weeks In! 🌏

🤝Alex Stan has officially been at the University of Sydney for almost three weeks now, and he's diving headfirst into his Master of Human Rights program. As a Roma Education Fund scholar, Alex is not just adjusting to a new academic environment, but also embracing the rich experiences that come with studying at a globally recognized institution.

📣 Reflecting on his early days, Alex shared:

💬“These past two weeks have been nothing but eye-opening. The diversity of perspectives, the engaging discussions, and the support from the university community have all been incredible. I’m genuinely amazed by how much I’ve learned in such a short time. Being at a top university like this is something I’ve always dreamed of, and now that I’m here, I’m even more inspired to make the most of every moment.”

☀Alex has an exciting year and a half ahead in Sydney, and we can’t wait to see how he continues to grow. Stay tuned for more updates on his journey!

🏵This summer unfolds an enchanting chapter for our Roma children, refugees from Ukraine. We’ve coordinated a symphony of urban escapades across the heart of Romania’s capital, a treasure trove of museum marvels, and a kaleidoscope of open-air adventures.

🤝Together with our esteemed partners from Scoala de Valori , we have crafted a series of joyous activities, creating unforgettable moments for them to cherish.

☀️The summer vacation commenced in June and will culminate in a grand celebration on August 24th, coinciding with the Ukrainian Independence Day, marking a splendid finale to the season’s adventures.
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The One-Stop-Shop Centre project is dedicated to support Roma refugees from Ukraine and is financed through grants from the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB)’s Migrant and Refugee Fund. Established by the CEB in 2015, this trust fund has been used to help the Bank’s member states integrate migrants and refugees in their host communities throughout Europe.

Today, Roma Foundation for Europe Network gathers to solemnly commemorate the 80th anniversary of the horrific murder of 4,300 Sinti and Roma by the SS in Auschwitz-Birkenau. The event marks a significant chapter in the broader history of the Roma Holocaust, during which 500,000 Sinti and Roma were systematically exterminated across Nazi-occupied Europe.

“We need to survive and stick together against any kind of racism, against any kind of hate. It does not matter where you come from, we are human beings and we are supposed to be children of God. But sometimes God does not help. So we have to help ourselves and stand by each other.” - Rita Prigmore (1943 - ) Roma Holocaust Survivor

Born on March 3, 1943, Rita Prigmore and her twin sister were taken by the Gestapo and subjected to cruel experiments. Her sister, Rolanda, died after the doctors tried to change the colour of her eyes with ink.
Rita endured a lifetime of health issues from the experiments, including severe headaches and fainting spells.

Despite these challenges, she married and had a son. At 36 years old, only after an X-ray revealed a mysterious scar, was Rita informed about the complete story of her past by her mom. This prompted her to seek compensation, a battle she has faced for years.

📢 International Conference Opening Event

🌍 International Conference Opening Event

🔗"My testimony is for young people"

📌On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of 2 August 1944, the European Holocaust Memorial Day for Roma and Sinti, this international conference addresses recognition, remembrance and education about the Holocaust of Roma and Sinti with a focus on ways to carry survivors’ testimonies into the future and making their voices heard.

International Conference Opening Event: "My testimony is for young people" | EHMRS 2024 On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of 2 August 1944, the European Holocaust Memorial Day for Roma and Sinti, this international conference addresses rec...

On August 2nd, 2024, we will gather to solemnly commemorate the 80th anniversary of the horrific murder of 4,300 Sinti and Roma by the SS in Auschwitz-Birkenau.

This sombre event marks a significant chapter in the broader history of the Roma Holocaust, during which 500,000 Sinti and Roma were systematically exterminated across Nazi-occupied Europe.

In a gesture of profound recognition, the European Parliament declared August 2 as the European Holocaust Memorial Day for Sinti and Roma in 2015, ensuring that this dark period is neither forgotten nor repeated.

This year’s commemoration will bring together members of the Roma for Europe Network, featuring esteemed representatives from:
➡ Roma for Europe
➡ Roma for Democracy - International
➡ European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture - ERIAC
➡ REDI - Roma Entrepreneurship Development Initiative
➡ Roma Education Fund

This year, the image for our commemoration is inspired by the evocative sunflower drawings of Ceija Stojka, a Roma Holocaust survivor. She was an extraordinary artist and writer whose works poignantly capture the resilience and beauty of the Roma spirit amidst the horrors of genocide. Her art, particularly her sunflowers, symbolizes hope, endurance, and the unyielding strength of the Roma people. Ceija’s legacy is a testament to the enduring power of art to inspire, heal, and unite communities in the face of unimaginable adversity.

The Western Balkans’ economic competitiveness and survival largely depend on the region’s ability to overcome a shortage of qualified labour. The working-age population is shrinking due to emigration and ageing, and those who are able to work feel discouraged and disempowered.

UNDERPERFORMING EDUCATION SYSTEMS

The World Bank points out that the region’s education systems are failing to develop a workforce with the skills needed for current and future job markets. Their Skills Measurement Employer Survey names skills gaps as a major cause of hiring difficulties in several Western Balkan countries. As a result, many young people are NEETs—people not in education, employment or training—who lack the skills the labour market needs. Between 16% and 33% of those aged 15–24 in the Western Balkans are considered NEETs, totalling around 500,000 in 2020.5 The situation is even more dire for the Roma: at least TWO-THIRDS of Roma aged 18–24 belong to this group, with the majority not registered with public employment agencies.

European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture - ERIAC is excited to announce a series of free online workshops and activities aimed at empowering and strengthening the Roma community.

These trainings are designed to offer valuable skills, foster collaboration, and support the preservation and promotion of Roma culture.

For registration links and more information on each training, please visit the website: https://eriac.org/eriacnet4eu-july-2024-capacity.../

The reality is that without financial, logistical and organisational support, Roma citizens face a battle that seems impossible to win. We need more than empty words; real resources and support are required to have opportunities for political representation. The EU has a significant influence in setting standards and policies for member states regarding minority rights and inclusion. It can provide funding, oversight and directives that encourage member states to improve political inclusion for Roma.

for FULL op-ed

The fight for equality and inclusion must be our priority, not just for the sake of the Roma

For the first time since 2004, not a single Roma person will be part of the European Parliament. Six million EU citizens are seeing their most fundamental right in democracy violated: the right to political representation. This not only deprives Roma of the possibility of shaping politics in their favour, but it also threatens the European project as a whole, writes Ismael Cortés.

What are you doing today for ? 😊

Nearly 200 students from Schools 153, 161, and 168 in Giulești, Bucharest, along with young Ukrainians from our project, traveled today into the wonderful world of education.

The newly discovered land is none other than the POLITEHNICA University from Bucharest, where the team of educators helped the students understand abstract concepts through experimentation and play. 😊

Thank you, POLITEHNICA! 💙❤️💚 We'll be back!

The One-Stop-Shop Center, opened on April 25, 2023, is dedicated to supporting Roma refugees from Ukraine and is funded by grants from the Council of Europe Development Bank’s (CEB) Migrant and Refugee Fund.

Did you know that Roma people will make up around 20% of first-time voters in Bulgaria by 2035? 😲

Find more information in comments section! 🔗

“We are pleased to announce our partnership with Școala de Valori within the One Stop Shop Center project, alongside whom we will work to organize an urban summer camp. For the children in our project, the summer camp will be an excellent way to learn and grow, have a positive impact on personal development, and build meaningful relationships. We are convinced that this collaboration will be just the beginning of a long-term successful relationship.” – Andreea Nedelcu, project manager

Celebrating International Children’s Day with Roma Refugees from Ukraine - Roma Education Fund On June 1st, REF Romania, in partnership with the School of Values (Școala de Valori), organized a special event at the National Youth Center in Bucharest to celebrate Children’s Day. The event was specifically dedicated to the Roma children, who are refugees from Ukraine and are members of REF.....

"The bloc’s Roma population of 6 million is present in almost every EU country, comparable in size to a mid-size member nation like Denmark. The Roma even comprise about 10 percent of the population in some EU countries, including Hungary, Bulgaria and Spain. Moreover, there are two times — in some countries, even three times — more Roma below the age of 15 than among the majority population, meaning the community has a comparatively high count of first-time voters.

So, if taken seriously and treated fairly, the Roma could play an important role in shaping the EU’s future and strengthening its democratic foundations. Unfortunately, however, pro-EU politicians cannot count on their vote by default" - ZZeljko Jovanovic| President of RRoma for Europe

for full

📌 The potential of Roma culture and art (...) lies in the fact that Roma messages are messages of humanity, coexistence and peace rather than of hate.

📌 Roma have never been a group that posed a threat to the security or well-being of their societies; as history shows, Roma have fought for "us".

📌 The domain of culture, however, has been perhaps the only area of consistent positive interaction between Roma and non-Roma. Investing in culture is therefore necessary to weaken the opponents of European values; investment in Roma culture should be a response to the culture wars.

Read the Manifesto -

If empowered and included in the workforce, Roma could significantly help mitigate the effects of a shrinking EU population.

Economic policymakers, however, fail to address the systemic disadvantages that Roma face. With an employment rate of just 43% for Roma aged 20–64 and an even lower rate among Roma women (28%), there are considerable economic and social costs to this neglect.

Our network's Roma for Europe 2030 agenda suggests ways to realise the full potential of the Roma—for the good of Europe. Read more at the link in the comments.

🌟 Charrette 2024 Recap! 🌟

From May 21-24, Belgrade, Serbia was buzzing with innovation as REF hosted Charrette 2024! We were joined by our dedicated REF team (Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia and Slovakia), the dynamic SPARK experts in education, and six global education innovators, including Stephen Harris, Jan Owen, Dominic Sharpe, Franco Mosso, Adithya Narayanan and Chris Harte. 🌍🧠

The event was a melting pot of ideas, featuring inspiring presentations and hands-on workshops. We delved deep into innovative educational practices from Australia, India, Peru, Cambodia, Spain and collectively shaped REF’s future programs. For the first time, our entire team actively contributed to drafting a new strategic action plan, ensuring everyone's ideas were heard and embraced. 💡❤️

Charrette 2024 was more than just a meeting — it was a transformative experience that highlighted the power of collaboration and innovation in education. Together, we're paving the way for brighter futures in Roma communities. 🤝🚀

Stay tuned for more updates as we turn these strategies into action! 🔜📈

🎉 🎉

📖 The book "Roma Faces Of Change" has been selected for graphic design in the main exhibition at Romanian Design Week, currently taking place in Bucharest! 🔵🔴🟢

📢 The Roma Faces Of Change project was created by our foundation in collaboration with some of the most prominent Roma leaders in Europe. These remarkable activists have made extraordinary contributions to the development of Roma movements and have shown steadfastness and resilience in their fight against prejudice, disrespect, hatred, and injustice over the decades.

They are:
🌟 Sevdija Demirova Abdulova (North Macedonia)
🌟 Vasile Ionescu (Romania)
🌟 Vaska Bajramovska Mustafa (North Macedonia)
🌟 Bajram Haliti (Serbia)
🌟 Rajko Djurić (Serbia)
🌟 Vasil Chaprazov (Bulgaria)
🌟 Marcel Courthiade (Albania/France)
🌟 Grattan Puxon (United Kingdom)
🌟 Andrzej Mirga (Poland)
🌟 Ljatif Demir (North Macedonia)

✍️ The Roma Faces of Change project was funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).

We invite you to discover the book and video material in English and Romani at this link 👉 https://romalegacy.com/

Did you know that? 🧐