Taba will give an overview of the work of the Roma Education Fund (REF) which was created in the framework of the Decade of Roma Inclusion in 2005. Its mission and ultimate goal is to close the gap in educational outcomes between Roma and non-Roma. In order to achieve this goal, the organization supports policies and programmes which ensure quality education for Roma, including the desegregation of education systems. REF runs five major programs: 1. Project Support Program which finances projects and programs. 2. REF Scholarship Program which is the largest tertiary scholarship program for Roma students. 3. Policy Development and Capacity Building Program which supports activities that help create a framework for dialogue with governments and civil society on education reform and Roma inclusion. 4. Communication and Cross Country Learning Program which includes activities to promote the exchange of knowledge on education reforms and Roma inclusion. 5. Reimbursable Grant Program to help Roma NGOs and local governments access EU funds for the purpose of Roma education. Taba will reflect on some of the lessons to be learnt from these programmes with reference to Romania but also other countries where REF operates and relate this work to notions of Inclusive Schools, Inclusive Community Development, Desegregation and Critical Race Theory

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