Armina is a Recipient of the Early Childhood Education program under the EU Regional Action for Roma Education: Increased Education Support and Opportunities for Roma Students in the Western Balkans and Turkey (RARE), phase II Project, funded by the European Commission through the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations and implemented by REF Romania and REF Serbia
Armina Biberovic, a bright and resilient child, was born on November 27, 2018, in the bustling city of Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Her life, along with that of her family, has been marked by significant challenges and upheavals.
Armina lives with her mother, a determined 29-year-old woman, and her five siblings: four sisters aged 2, 3, 10, and 12, and one brother aged 8. Until recently, they resided in the Roma community of Krojcica Tuzla, a place they had called home since Armina’s birth. However, their lives were turned upside down when their father forced them out of their home. They found temporary refuge in the Roma community of Miladije Tuzla, staying with a cousin who has generously offered them shelter.
Both Krojcica and Miladije are diverse Roma communities in Tuzla. Krojcica is home to approximately 80 families, while Miladije houses around 20. Despite the hardships, Armina’s mother is unwavering in her commitment to her children’s education. Armina, now in the first grade at the Public Institution Primary School “Kreka” Tuzla, is a diligent student who loves learning. Her older siblings, who are also dedicated students, serve as positive role models for her.
The family has been supported by the Association of Roma “Euro Rom” Tuzla, a grantee of the RARE project. They provided Armina and her brother Armin with school supplies and educational workshops. These initiatives have been crucial in preparing them for school and supporting their academic journey. Armina’s mother is determined to ensure that all her children receive a good education, hoping it will offer them opportunities she never had.
Armina’s aspirations are simple yet profound. She dreams of a stable home where her family can be warm, have enough food, and study without worries. She wishes to complete her education and support her mother, who has sacrificed so much for them. The support from the project team and the community has been a lifeline, offering hope and a sense of belonging.
Armina’s story is one of hope, resilience, and the pursuit of a better future. With the love and determination of her family and the kindness of those who support them, they can overcome many obstacles.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The EU Regional Action for Roma Education: Increased Education Support and Opportunities for Roma Students in the Western Balkans and Turkey (RARE), Phase II builds on the success of the initial project implemented by REF from 2018 to 2021.
During the first phase, education services were provided across seven countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Turkey), engaging over 4,500 Roma children from various educational levels in educational activities.
The current phase aims to sustain and expand the achievements of the initial project, while also establishing a solid foundation for the inclusion and participation of children in education.
The project aims to bridge the gap between Roma and non-Roma in terms of participation and completion of quality education, enhance the transition of Roma students from education to employment, and foster lasting systemic change and de-segregation within education systems in the enlargement region.
Specific objectives include:
- Enhancing educational outcomes at all levels, with a particular emphasis on preventing school drop-out and addressing the significant disparity between male and female education levels, thereby promoting gender inclusion.
- Facilitating the transition of Roma students from education to employment, with a focus on narrowing the gender gap in education levels.
The project incorporates a gender perspective, aiming to provide educational access to Roma girls and women, thereby promoting gender equality and empowering them. The lack of access to educational services, discrimination in schools and educational institutions, and prevailing negative attitudes towards women significantly hinder Roma girls and women from accessing education. These barriers have a profound and lasting negative impact on their lives.
During the first year of implementation, as part of the Early Childhood Education/ECD Services at the project level, REF has supported at least 585 children aged 4-6 in accessing quality Early Childhood Development (ECD) services and opportunities for outdoor activities and learning. The distribution of supported children is as follows: Albania – 60, Bosnia and Herzegovina – 63, Kosovo* – 60, North Macedonia – 85, Montenegro – 122, Serbia – 159, and Turkey – 40.
- Approximately 550 parents directly benefited from support facilitating enrolment in pre-primary and primary education institutions, as well as engagement in parenting programs and advocacy initiatives.
- A total of 76 workshops were implemented for parents on various topics, including good parenting, digital skills, discrimination, and anti-gypsyism.
- More than 40 outdoor activities were conducted for children.
- Over 35 workshops were implemented for children.
- Developed 5 Toy Libraries.
SEE THE 2024 RESULTS HERE
*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
