The Roma Diplomacy Programme
The educational part of the programme included 3 face-to-face workshops and 2 online learning phases. The face-to-face workshops focused on skills training, community building, learning from local experts, and practical study visits. The online learning phases took place via the Internet, using Textus Learning, Diplo's Internet-based online learning platform. On a weekly basis participants read selected materials and discussed them via hypertext, discussion forums, and on-line sessions. Participants also completed regular assignments and wrote final exams. Assignment and exam questions emphasized integration and application of knowledge rather than reporting course materials. Teaching has been held at a postgraduate university level. Individual and collaborative researches have been facilitated with the use of an Internet-based knowledge management and sharing platform. Participants used briefcases to collect, organize and share information on their topic, and as the basis for a written research paper to be submitted at the end of the programme at the end of May 2006.
The Roma Diplomacy Programme is jointly coordinated by the European Roma Information Office (ERIO) and DiploFoundation. The Roma Diplomacy Programme aims to increase capacity and stimulate partnerships between Roma and major national, regional and international players and to create a strong group of Roma public diplomats with the ability to bridge the gap between the Roma civil society and governmental/EU institutions. Main financial support is provided by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, with additional support from the Norwegian Embassy in Bucharest and the Roma Participation Programme of the Open Society Institute.
In the framework of the programme an international conference "Roma Diplomacy: A Challenge for European Institutions?" (December 8 - 9, 2005, Brussels) took place. It brought together European level policy makers (over 30 members of the European Parliament and many representatives of the European Commission), diplomats, academics and human rights activists from all around Europe and beyond. A series of recommendations has been presented to the European institutions by the Roma Diplomacy participants, as a follow-up to the conference
