Paul Alexandru Stan from Romania Becomes the Inaugural Recipient of the Sydney International Equity Scholarship at the University of Australia
“This scholarship is the greatest responsibility I have ever taken on. It is a privilege that comes with the promise to use this opportunity to give back to the community. Every second I spend in Sydney will be in service to the neighbourhoods that made me who I am today.”
The Roma Education Fund (REF) is delighted to unveil a significant partnership with the University of Sydney, focused on enhancing educational prospects for young Roma students. This collaboration underscores REF’s unwavering dedication to building resilient Roma communities through education.
Through this ground-breaking alliance, REF becomes University of Sydney partner’s in the Sydney International Equity Scholarship Program. The program aims to offer exceptional educational opportunities to deserving students from Roma communities. As the sole European partner, REF is committed to dismantling barriers and promoting an inclusive and empowering culture.
The scholarship program offers comprehensive support, covering tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation, and more, along with mentorship programs and academic support services. By joining forces, REF and the University of Sydney are committed to creating pathways to success and opening doors to a brighter future for Roma youth.
“This collaboration represents a pivotal moment in our organization’s pathway, as we not only expand educational opportunities for Roma youth but also strategically pave the way for future Roma leaders. By forging this alliance, we are not only breaking down barriers to education but also strategically positioning ourselves to nurture the next generation of changemakers and advocates within our community. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to empowering Roma youth and executing a carefully crafted strategy aimed at fostering a culture of excellence and leadership. Together with the University of Sydney, we are shaping a brighter future for Roma youth, one scholarship at a time.” – Ciprian Necula, chairman Roma Education Fund.
Alexandru Stan with H.E. Giles Matthew Portman,
British Ambassador to Romania
A Journey of Advocacy and Representation
Alex Stan stands out as an exemplary candidate for the Sydney International Equity Scholarship due to his outstanding academic record, social activism, and dedication to promoting Roma rights. With a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from The University of Bucharest, Alex distinguished himself as one of the top students, earning one of the university’s highest honour for his undergraduate thesis (Best undergraduate thesis in Social Sciences). His award-winning thesis focused on strategies to combat hate speech against Roma people on social media, a testament to his commitment to social justice and advocacy. Alex’s influence extends beyond academia into the realm of social media, where he has become a prominent figure. On platforms like TikTok and Instagram, he educates millions about Roma culture and dispels common misconceptions, leveraging his role as a social influencer to promote understanding and acceptance. His impactful content has earned him notable accolades, including a third-place finish in the “Civic Influencer” category at the Friend for Friends Foundation’s “Super-writings” contest and a nomination for the “Real Talk” category at the Elle Magazine Gala’s “New Media Award 2024”, still on-going.
Alexandru Stan with H.E Kathleen Kavalec,
U.S. Ambassador to Romania
Alex’s journey is marked by significant internships and leadership roles that have shaped his advocacy for Roma rights. His tenure as an intern at the Ministry of Investments and European Projects, specifically at the National Contact Point for Roma, provided him with valuable experience in policy-making and advocacy at a national level. Furthermore, as part of the REF’s “Empowering Future Roma Leaders” project, Alex interned at the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest, where he made a notable impact by organizing a training session on Roma issues attended by Her Excellency Ambassador Kathleen Kavalec.
In addition to his professional experiences, Alex has been a fervent student representative, consistently advocating for the rights and needs of his peers. Elected three times as a University of Bucharest Senator, he has also served as a student representative on the Faculty of Business and Administration committee, and represented the university in the Global CIVIS Student Council, a prestigious European alliance among universities. His leadership (Project Director) in the Business and Administration Students Association and his role as the First Vice-President of the Romanian Students Union demonstrate his commitment to combating discrimination, improving student accessibility to public transport, and fostering civic engagement. From his position in the Romanian Students Union, Alex implemented mechanisms to combat discrimination in universities, making significant strides in promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities for all students. Alex’s academic pursuits and his ongoing advocacy efforts are deeply intertwined with his vision for a more inclusive and equitable society.
“I decided to enrol at the Master of Social Justice (Human Rights) to gain advanced knowledge and skills that will enable me to advocate for Roma rights and social justice more effectively. I aim to leverage my education to influence policy changes and promote initiatives that address the systemic issues faced by Roma communities. My passion for human rights and social justice is not only reflected in my academic achievements but also in my proactive engagement with various organizations and institutions. I participated in numerous European projects, representing Roma youth in discussions with key policymakers, including the European Commissioner for Human Rights and Employment. These experiences have equipped me with a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by Roma communities and have strengthened his resolve to work towards creating a more just and inclusive society” – Alexandru Stan.
The Importance of the Sydney International Equity Scholarship
The Sydney International Equity Scholarship represents a significant opportunity for Alex and the broader Roma community. This scholarship will enable Alex to pursue his studies at one of the world’s leading universities, providing him with access to a wealth of resources and expertise. The scholarship not only acknowledges Alex’s past accomplishments but also invests in his future potential to drive meaningful change. Receiving this scholarship is a testament to Alex’s dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to social justice. It is also a recognition of the importance of providing equitable educational opportunities to marginalized communities. By supporting exceptional individuals like Alex, the scholarship aims to empower future leaders who can advocate for Roma rights on a global stage.
Programs like the Sydney International Equity Scholarship are crucial in addressing the educational and social disparities faced by Roma communities. By supporting exceptional individuals like Alex Stan, these programs help cultivate future leaders who can advocate for Roma rights on a global stage. Alex’s academic pursuits and his ongoing advocacy efforts will undoubtedly contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society. The collaboration between the Roma Education Fund and The University of Sydney exemplifies a shared commitment to fostering educational equity and social justice. As Alex Stan embarks on this new chapter, his journey will inspire many and pave the way for future generations of Roma students. The REF looks forward to continuing its work in empowering Roma youth and creating opportunities that enable them to reach their full potential.
Building a Brighter Future
The Roma Education Fund’s collaboration with The University of Sydney and the proposal of Alex Stan for the Sydney International Equity Scholarship marks a significant step forward in the quest for educational equity and social justice for Roma communities. Alex Stan embodies the spirit of resilience, determination, and advocacy, making him the perfect candidate for this prestigious scholarship. As he prepares to embark on his studies in Social Justice (Human Rights), Alex is poised to make an even greater impact in promoting Roma rights and addressing social injustices.
This partnership and scholarship program underscore the importance of investing in education as a means to empower individuals and communities. By supporting talented and dedicated individuals like Alex Stan, we can create a more inclusive, equitable, and just society for all. The Roma Education Fund remains committed to its mission of fostering educational opportunities and empowering Roma youth, and this new collaboration with The University of Sydney is a testament to the positive change that can be achieved through such initiatives.
