The Roma Education Fund and the United States Embassy in Romania are excited to introduce a groundbreaking initiative focused on promoting diversity and inclusion. This innovative project “Empowering Future Roma Leaders” offers an unparalleled opportunity for three Roma students to work as interns at the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest.
This initiative represents a major milestone, as it provides Roma students with their inaugural chance to experience a foreign diplomatic work environment. The program is designed to equip these students with essential skills, opening doors for future careers in international affairs. The project will be implemented in conjunction with the U.S. Embassy’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Council, reflecting a commitment to promoting diversity within the Embassy.
“The U.S. Embassy in Romania is committed to recruiting diverse voices into our mission to be more inclusive and enrich our collaboration with Romania as we strive to strengthen our democracies. As President Biden has stipulated diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is an important pillar of our foreign policy. This joint partnership with the Roma Education Fund is an example of that commitment.” – U.S. Ambassador Kathleen Kavalec.
“As part of the Roma Education Fund’s (REF) new strategic direction, the foundation is wholeheartedly committed to cultivating the next generation of Roma leaders, experts, and managers. This initiative is designed to strengthen our organizational goals and actively contribute to wider Roma advocacy efforts. Moreover, these strategic partnerships and collaborations, like “Empowering Future Roma Leaders” project, are instrumental in fostering pride, self-esteem, confidence, and a profound sense of belonging among future Roma leaders and advocates, which is critical for enhancing the well-being of Roma communities” – Ciprian Necula, PhD, Chairman Roma Education Fund.
Over time, Roma students have encountered social marginalization, which has impeded their involvement in work-entry programs. Factors such as geographic location, socio-economic background, and discrimination against the Roma minority in Romania have contributed to these challenges. To address these barriers, the micro-scholarship awards linked to this program offer to three deserving students the chance to participate in three-month part-time internships in a unique environment.
“We are excited to be part of this groundbreaking initiative that not only provides us with invaluable experience but also breaks down barriers for future generations of Roma students. This internship is a steppingstone toward a more inclusive and diverse diplomatic landscape.” – Alex Stan – Public Diplomacy Section Intern
The program structure ensures that internships do not interfere with students’ academic responsibilities, allowing them to gain valuable real-world experience without compromising their education. This initiative aligns with the U.S. embassy’s dedication to equity and opportunity for a diverse community, showcasing the U.S. government’s commitment to diversity and inclusion as a fundamental aspect of U.S. foreign policy.
“I am grateful for being offered this opportunity. As I contemplate the time I will spend there, I anticipate abundant learning experiences. I am confident that my professional skills will significantly improve, making this internship one of the most valuable investments in my life. I view this opportunity as priceless, with the potential to propel both my career and overall life forward.” – Eduard Cantaragiu – Intern Foreign Commercial Service.
The involvement of interns from diverse backgrounds is not just a step towards fostering a more inclusive workforce but also sets the stage for potential recruitment of diverse local candidates in the future. By implementing this program, the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest aims to lead by example, providing a model for both Romanian government officials and the private sector to follow.
“The U.S. embassy internship can be seen as an opportunity both to enhance interns’ knowledge and expertise and to grant a more profound understanding of some aspects that are not so easily approachable without a certain social, cultural, and ethnic background, which, we hope, will eventually increase the Embassy’s efficiency and effectiveness. We hope our collaboration will be fruitful and effective, and its results will have the potential to improve, even by a small amount, the lives of others”- Adela Bobu – Political/Economic Intern.
This collaboration not only provides a unique learning and sharing experience for Roma students but also reinforces their leadership potential. The Roma Education Fund and the United States Embassy in Romania firmly believe that empowering these students will not only enrich their lives, but also contribute to a more inclusive and representative future for the Roma community in Romania.
