New REF Director


The social, economic and cultural position of the Roma population poses one of the greatest political challenges in Europe today. Roma inclusion is a complex process including anti-discrimination, desegregation and poverty reduction.
Inclusion can only take place with the full participation of Roma children in quality education and the expansion of sustainable livelihood strategies and employment opportunities, so that the chances of Roma become similar to that of all European citizens.


The social, economic and cultural position of the Roma population poses one of the greatest political challenges in Europe today. Roma inclusion is a complex process including anti-discrimination, desegregation and poverty reduction.
Inclusion can only take place with the full participation of Roma children in quality education and the expansion of sustainable livelihood strategies and employment opportunities, so that the chances of Roma become similar to that of all European citizens.

The Roma Education Fund is working on closing the gap in educational outcomes between Roma and non-Roma. With its development agenda and achievements from the five years of its existence, REF is highly committed to continue serving all European Roma communities in their efforts through integration and emancipation.


As Executive Director of the Roma Education Fund I will bring forth all my experiences, energies and personal commitment to the best of the organization, and look forward to cooperating with every possible partner in this historic endeavour.


Zsuzsanna Szelenyi
Executive Director