On 5th February, USAID presented the last External Performance Evaluation Report of its decade-long Roma Education Project (REP), implemented by the Foundation Open Society – Macedonia (FOSM). The evaluation findings highlight the project’s positive impact on the Roma community and confirm shifting attitudes among teachers, Roma students, and their parents. Roma student achievement and teacher training both helped significantly reduce the level of prejudice previously so prevalent in the participating schools.

“Many of the project beneficiaries who have graduated from university are now employed in local and international organizations, public and private companies, and public administrations where they contribute to Macedonia’s growth and development. They are now in positions to advocate for Roma inclusion and to direct Roma-related policies,” said USAID Mission Director James Stein. He added, “This is one of the most valuable legacies of the project.”

Since the project began in 2004, REP has supported more than 2,000 Roma students from pre-school to university, improved education outcomes, and increased the national graduation rate of Roma secondary and university students. With USAID support, 298 Roma students have graduated from high school and 92 of them have gone on to finish university. Activities introduced by the project are now integrated into school curricula and have become a model for inclusion of marginalized communities in education throughout Macedonia.

NOTES TO THE EDITORS

The American people, through USAID, have invested more than $500 million in Macedonia since 1993. USAID works with the people of Macedonia to create jobs, strengthen democratic institutions and practices, enhance integrated education, and prepare students for the workforce. These initiatives improve the quality of life and support Macedonia’s transition to a stable and prosperous democracy. USAID provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries. For more information please visit USAID Macedonia Website and USAID Macedonia Facebook page.