Ronald Lee Scholarship
The Canadian Romani Alliance, a national non-profit organization founded in 2014, is a network of Romani organizations and individuals working collaboratively to educate, advocate, and support Romani peoples across Canada. We are honoured to celebrate the life, work, and enduring legacy of our beloved community elder, Dr. Ronald Lee, by establishing the Ronald Lee Scholarship—an investment in the next generation of Romani leaders, scholars, and changemakers.
Dr. Ronald Lee was one of Canada’s most respected Romani journalists, musicians, educators, writers, linguists, activists, and community leaders. Throughout his lifetime, he dedicated himself to advancing the civil and human rights of Romani peoples while preserving and promoting Romani language, culture, and history.
As one of the pioneers of the modern Romani rights movement, Kako Ron participated in the founding of the International Romani Union in 1971. That historic gathering laid the foundation for the annual celebration of International Roma Day on April 8 and the adoption of the Romani flag and anthem—lasting symbols of Romani identity, unity, and our ancestral connection to India.
In 1998, Kako Ron co-founded the Roma Community Centre in Toronto, where he worked tirelessly to support Romani refugees arriving in Canada while educating Canadians about the history, culture, and lived experiences of Romani peoples. From 2003 to 2008, he designed and taught Canada’s first and only university course in Romani Studies at the University of Toronto. His scholarly contributions culminated in the publication of the first comprehensive Romani–English Dictionary in 2009, an invaluable resource for the preservation of the Romani language. In recognition of his extraordinary lifetime of advocacy and scholarship, Queen’s University awarded him an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in 2014.
The Ronald Lee Scholarship honours Kako Ron’s extraordinary legacy as a writer, educator, scholar, activist, and champion of Romani civil rights. More importantly, it carries forward his unwavering belief that education has the power to transform lives, strengthen communities, and inspire future generations.
Awarded annually, the Ronald Lee Scholarship supports a Canadian Romani graduating high school student pursuing post-secondary education. Through this scholarship, we honour Kako Ron’s lifelong commitment to ensuring that Romani youth have the opportunity to learn, lead, and shape the future while remaining proud of their Romani identity.
CANADIAN ROMANI ALLIANCE
Education | Representation / Capacity Building
http://www.canadianromanialliance.com/
Who We’re Looking For
The Ronald Lee Scholarship supports a Canadian Romani youth who has recently graduated from high school and has been accepted into an accredited post-secondary institution. Created in honour of Dr. Ronald Lee, this scholarship celebrates academic achievement while encouraging the next generation of Romani scholars, writers, leaders, and changemakers.
We are looking for applicants who are proud of their Romani identity, committed to furthering their education, and eager to contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
1. Identify as a Canadian Romani youth.
2. Have graduated from a Canadian high school (or equivalent).
3. Have been accepted into an accredited post-secondary institution (provide acceptance letter)
4. Submit a completed scholarship application.
5. Submit an original written or creative piece reflecting on Romani identity.
6. Participate in a brief (approximately 10-minute) online interview with the selection committee.
Scholarship Award
One scholarship of $2,000 will be awarded annually.
To recognize the outstanding work of other applicants, second- and third-place recipients will receive a book from the collection of books written by Canadian Romani authors.
As Canada’s first published Romani author, Dr. Ronald Lee devoted his life to preserving Romani language, history, and culture through literature. His 1982 book was the first published work by a Romani author about Roma in Canada. Today, only a small number of Canadian Romani authors have published books. Through this scholarship, we hope to encourage and support the next generation of Romani writers. Mentorship opportunities with an established Romani writer may also be available.
How to Apply
Please submit your completed application, creative submission, and proof of acceptance to an accredited post-secondary institution to:
Ms. Gina Csanyi-Robah Director, Canadian Romani Alliance
Email: ginacsanyi@gmail.com
Deadline: August 21 st , 2026
Your Creative Submission
Along with your application, please submit an original piece between 500 and 1,000 words (or an equivalent creative work).
Your submission may take one of many forms, including:
Essay
Short story
Poetry
Song lyrics
Graphic story or comic
Another creative format (with prior approval)
Your work may be fiction or non-fiction and should explore Romani identity. You may wish to reflect on questions such as:
What does being a young Romani person mean to you?
How has your Romani identity shaped your life?
What gives you pride in your culture, family, or community?
How have you demonstrated resilience in the face of prejudice, discrimination, or anti-Roma racism?
What stereotypes or misconceptions about Roma would you like to challenge?
What are your hopes and dreams for your future?
How do you hope to contribute to your community and to Romani peoples in Canada and beyond?
There are no right or wrong answers. We encourage you to write from the heart and share your own unique voice and experiences.
Your story matters.
Please note: All submissions must be the applicant’s own original work. The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to write or substantially create submissions will result in disqualification.
Continuing Ronald Lee’s Legacy
Dr. Ronald Lee believed deeply in the power of education, storytelling, and the written word.
Throughout his life, he worked to ensure that Romani people were not only included in history, but were recognized as authors, scholars, educators, and creators of knowledge.
Through his writing, teaching, and activism, Kako Ron challenged stereotypes and created space for Romani voices to be heard. He understood that when Roma tell their own stories, they strengthen their communities and help others understand the richness, diversity, and resilience of Romani peoples.
This scholarship continues that vision by supporting young Romani writers, thinkers, and leaders. We invite you to share your story. As Ronald Lee might have reminded us through his life’s work: our stories belong to us, and our voices have the power to shape the future.
TIMELINE
Deadline for application September 1, 2026