"Bob had the vision and motivation to change the world, and I'm very honoured to have known him and to have been a part of it."
Elvira Marginean
As their ministry grew, Bob and Nancy realized that financial and social challenges were preventing motivated Roma students from achieving their educational and vocational goals. Conversations with school staff confirmed that targeted support—like tutoring, financial aid for supplies, technology, transportation, and housing — combined with consistent mentorship, could bridge this gap and overcome their deficits to educational and vocational progress.
With the addition of some, or all, of those 'extras' – such as school clothing and shoes, a laptop or ipad, school supplies, a small living stipend, and in some cases dormatory accomodation – RBU has assisted several Roma young people to complete High School successfully and in some cases to continue forward and complete their vocational training or university diploma.
How to take part in helping a young Roma student complete a higher education
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The Roma Student Scholarship Fund
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The Roma Student Scholarship Story
The Roma Bible Union (RBU) began to provide these resources, helping young Roma students overcome individual barriers, complete their education, and, in doing so, enabling them to achieve successful professional lives within meaningful and sustainable vocations.
Filling the Gap – Opens the Space for Success
For over 21 years, the Roma Bible Union (RBU) has supported young Roma students through its Young Roma Student Scholarship Fund. This program provides financial aid for scholarships, mentorships, and essential educational resources like tutoring, technology, and school supplies. By addressing learning gaps in partnership with school staff, RBU helps students succeed academically, enabling them to complete high school, vocational school, and university degrees. This support helps students achieve their vocational goals and secure fulfilling employment.
As a minority population, young Roma students often face a significant resource gap in their education. While government aid may cover tuition, the lack of crucial "extras" often hinders their success. To fill this void, the Roma Bible Union (RBU) provides support that includes school clothing, laptops, a living stipend, and even dormitory accommodation. This assistance helps students successfully complete high school and continue on to earn vocational or university degrees, paving the way for stable employment.
A Roma Student Scholarship Fund Graduate Story
Elvira Marginean
As an early recipient of the RBU Roma Student Scholarship, Elvira completed her bachelor's degree in Business Studies. During this time, she worked on RBU ministry teams, wrote for KASKADA MAGAZINE, and served alongside Bob and Nancy at the parish church in Kapelna. Elvira, who often discussed the potential for micro-businesses in Roma communities with Bob, is now pursuing her master's degree in Business with the goal of one day completing a Ph.D. RBU is proud to have had Elvira as a key member of both its magazine and ministry teams over the years.
Elvira shares her memory of her studentship:
I met Bob in January 2015. At that time, which I still remember well, I was invited to Osijek to introduce us to Kaskada magazine and to find out what direction my writing would take.
My topic was “A Time for Tears“.
Bob understood my passion for writing and he encouraged and supported me in my writing. That was the beginning of our bond.
My father was battling cancer at the time and financially it was very difficult for me to figure out how to move forward. I told Bob I wanted to go to university and explained to him what I wanted to study.Because it was very difficult for us, I prayed every day for God to show me the way because I knew I couldn't do it without support.
Bob & Nancy (RBU) not only supported me with my accommodation fee and utilities, they also paid my tuition fees every year of my studies.RBU also helped me with educational materials such as a laptop, exam fees and also books.
Bob was not only a mentor, not only a brother in Christ, he was like a father to me.
I could always talk to him.He knew the importance of family and loving and feeling the love, especially for me, and he managed to make us all feel like part of the family, not just when we were together. But all the time.
With his support I was able to complete my Bachelor's degree in Business.
Bob has had a huge impact on my life, not only spiritually but also professionally.
It has been a while since I last saw Bob, since I got married and moved to Austria (Linz).
We kept in touch through social media. We shared the same passion for the Bayash people and I can say without hesitation that his heart was in the right place.
I cannot begin to explain how much Bob has helped me in my studies and in my life.
Our main goal was to break the stereotype that Roma children (especially girls) are not educated.
Bob had the vision and motivation to change the world, and I'm very honoured to have known him and to have been a part of it.