Hungary: Roma Education Fund headquarters damaged by fire

On Saturday, 17 November a fire broke out in the building where the directorate of the Roma Education Fund (REF) is headquartered in Budapest, Hungary, causing significant damage. Fortunately no injuries have been reported as a result of the blaze.

The team of more than 20 staff must now temporarily move into different workplaces. The fire destroyed the fifth floor and roof of the building on Terez korut Street in the Hungarian capital.

Four offices occupied by REF, including their documents for projects in the 16 countries where REF works and their equipment, have been seriously damaged. "The last few weeks of the year are always very busy, and this year will prove exceptionally challenging as we assess the situation to determine when we can return to our office space, or if a temporary move will be necessary," said REF Executive Director Nadir Redzepi in an official statement.

"Nevertheless, our donors, partners and beneficiaries should be assured that REF will continue to provide ... exceptional programs and services aimed at reducing the gap in educational outcomes between Roma and non-Roma. REF’s values of tenacity, integrity, inquisitiveness, accountability and justice remain strong as ever," the official statement reads.

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