The Romanian Organisation Empowering Communities Across Wales.
WHAT WE DO AT ROUCA
Community Development & Outreach
- Community outreach
- Information and signposting
- Community participation
- Volunteering
- Connecting residents with existing services
- Identifying community needs
Children, Families & Education
- Romanian Saturday School
- Children’s activities
- Family activities
- Parent engagement
- Youth development
Integration, Cohesion & Access to Services
- Romanian cultural events
- Intercultural events
- Activities involving the wider Cardiff community
- Reducing isolation
- Workshops for integration and access to services
Volunteering & Partnerships
- Cardiff Council
- C3SC
- Voluntary organisations
- Community groups
- Supplementary schools
- Service providers
Who We Are at ROUCA
Our Vision
Our Vision
Our Vision
ROUCA is a community-led CIC working with Romanian-speaking residents and the wider community through education, community development, integration, cultural activities, volunteering and partnership,
Our Values
Our Vision
Our Vision
We promotes values of integrity, compassion and inclusivity. We believe that everyone has a role to play and can contribute to a united and stronger WIDER community.
Our Team
Our Vision
Our Team
Our Romanian Organisation ROUCA, founded and led with passion by Mrs Gabriela Ferguson, is made up of dedicated volunteers who are passionate about making a difference. We are proud of our young volunteers, parents volunteers and collaborators from the wider Welsh local communities.
Help Our Cause
Your donation helps us run the weekend Romanian School, create meaningful events, celebrate our culture and build a stronger, connected community for everyone.
Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Thank you for being part of it!
Empowering the Romanian Community in Wales
YOUR VOICE MATTERS- SUGGEST A WORKSHOP!
Help us choose the most useful workshops for the Romanian community in Wales!
ROUCA - the only Romanian Organisation in Cardiff wants to create activities that support you in your everyday life, whether you’re a parent, a young person, newly arrived in the UK or have been here for years.
We invite you to fill out this short form and let us know what you would like us to organise for you and your family.
ROMANIAN SCHOOL CARDIFF
Suntem singura Şcoala Româneascǎ în Wales!
Our Club Activities for Children age 2 or over are designed to preserve the Romanian heritage and assist children, especially those from mixed British-Romanian families. Our freshly decorated space consists of 2 large classrooms with interactive whiteboard, child friendly toilets, kitchen facilities and outdoor area for sunny days.
Parking on-site is free of charge.
Please visit us, we are open every Saturday from 9am-2pm (term time only).
Activities & Programme Autumn Term 2026
ROUCA Romanian School in Cardiff engages children through diverse activities that support their growth and learning, such as:
- Group storytelling
- Thematic crafts
- Introduction to reading and writing in Romanian
- Interactive role-playing in Romanian
- Team games
- Singing and dancing
- Visual arts
- A healthy snack
Additionally, we offer an afterschool Lego Lunch where children enjoy a provided lunch followed by two hours of club activities such as chess, draughts, aerobics, a reading club, sewing and outdoor games.
Autumn Term 2026 Schedule at ROUCA – Romanian School in Cardiff
The autumn term includes 13 sessions, totalling 56 hours, held every Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Children will explore the Romanian language through engaging activities such as:
- Calligraphy exercises with individual workbooks
- Arts, crafts and storytelling
- Songs, dances and team games
- Reading club, chess, "Șezătoare" and sports.
We are thrilled to announce a new 5 years project starting this term!
“ROUCA Garden”
The children will discover nature, create and tend a community garden!
On December 20th, the last Saturday before the Christmas holidays, we invite all children to a Festive Party featuring carol performances, holiday activities and a special visit from Santa Claus.
WOMEN'S SUPPORT NETWORK
Our organisation launched GLOW Women of Romania, a women support network dedicated to uplifting, supporting and empowering women worldwide!
Recognising the unique challenges faced by women, particularly young mothers, our romanian organisation provides a support network through social gatherings, parenting workshops and resources to help women feel connected and supported. By facilitating peer support, we aim to alleviate isolation and promote well-being.
Our mission is to:
- Create a strong global women’s support network
- Uplift and empower women to develop and succeed in society
- Support each other by sharing our strengths and knowledge
- Stay informed and aware of important topics and opportunities
- Facilitate access to essential services and resources
ȘEZĂTOAREA ROUCA
Join our Crochet & Social Club
Looking for a relaxing break and a chance to connect with other Moms? Our Mom’s Crochet & Social Club at ROUCA School is the perfect place to unwind, share experiences and enjoy creative activities like crochet, knitting and embroidery. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, bring your project, have a coffee and make new friends in a warm, supportive environment.
Join us every Saturdays, 1:00 – 2:00 PM
INTEGRATION WORKSHOPS
Our workshops are designed to assist the Romanian community in Wales with integration and accessing vital services. We provide guidance on navigating local resources, assisting with Life in the UK Test and guidance regarding Educational System in Britain, ensuring that everyone can thrive in their new environment.
TRADITIONAL ROMANIAN EVENTS
We are hosting traditional events such as festivals, holiday celebrations and cultural exhibitions bringing the Romanian community together and introducing our rich heritage to the wider public. These events foster mutual understanding and respect between cultures, contributing to social cohesion.
BOOK CLUB
We offer a Book Club for children and adults to facilitate access to literature in both Romanian and English, facilitating literacy, cultural exchange and opportunities for discussion, learning and community building.
MEET OUR TEAM
Mrs GABRIELA FERGUSON Founder & Director
Mrs GABRIELA FERGUSON Founder & Director
Mrs GABRIELA FERGUSON Founder & Director
Gabriela is the founder of ROUCA, the only registered Romanian Organisation in Wales. She is a passionate community leader and dedicated educator whose vision has brought together generations of Romanians in Wales to celebrate their culture, language and identity.
Born and raised in a small village by the Danube in southern Romania, Gabr
Gabriela is the founder of ROUCA, the only registered Romanian Organisation in Wales. She is a passionate community leader and dedicated educator whose vision has brought together generations of Romanians in Wales to celebrate their culture, language and identity.
Born and raised in a small village by the Danube in southern Romania, Gabriela grew up in a family of educators, instilling in her the values of knowledge, resilience and community spirit from an early age. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering and began her career working internationally in East Africa, gaining invaluable life experience and friendships across cultures.
After settling in the UK, Gabriela chose to return to her true calling: education. She earned a PGCE in Mathematics from University of Wales Institute Cardiff and has been teaching Mathematics at Llanishen High School for over 15 years, inspiring students with her enthusiasm, empathy and belief in every young person’s potential. Alongside her teaching career, Gabriela holds the respected role of Expert Examiner in Mathematics for Edexcel, contributing to the assessment and development of Mathematics education across the UK.
Deeply committed to education and community welfare, Gabriela has also served as a School Governor, advocating for inclusive, high-quality learning environments for all children. She is an active member of the National Education Union and the Women’s Equality Committee within the Trades Union Congress (TUC), promoting equity and fair representation in education and beyond.
A proud mother of two, Gabriela has spent years supporting the Romanian community in Wales, helping new families integrate, navigate local services, and find a sense of belonging. Her natural charisma, positivity and ability to bring people together have turned her ideas into lasting projects that enrich community life.
Motivated by a deep love for her heritage and a desire to preserve it for future generations, Gabriela founded the first Romanian Weekend School in Cardiff, providing a space where children can learn the Romanian language, culture and traditions. Through ROUCA, she has continued to build bridges between cultures, creating a welcoming, inclusive community where friendships are formed, memories are made and identity is celebrated.
Gabriela’s vision, leadership and tireless work have made her a cornerstone of the Romanian community in Wales and an inspiration to all who know her.
Mrs IULIA SIMION Director
Mrs GABRIELA FERGUSON Founder & Director
Mrs GABRIELA FERGUSON Founder & Director
Iulia’s journey with ROUCA began like many beautiful stories do, as an involved parent, eager to keep her children connected to their roots and traditions. Over time, her passion for community, kindness and quiet strength naturally led her to take on a leadership role. Today, she serves as Director of ROUCA, guiding the team with warmth,
Iulia’s journey with ROUCA began like many beautiful stories do, as an involved parent, eager to keep her children connected to their roots and traditions. Over time, her passion for community, kindness and quiet strength naturally led her to take on a leadership role. Today, she serves as Director of ROUCA, guiding the team with warmth, sincerity and a deep love for people.
A mother of two, Iulia is a sociable and open-hearted person, though she admits to a touch of shyness. She finds joy in simple things: reading, nature walks, meaningful time with loved ones and the magic of music and dance.
Her professional path has been just as diverse and inspiring. Iulia once worked in a cake factory, later running her own successful cake business. Currently, she works as an Uber driver, a job that offers her flexibility and time to dedicate to her family and to community projects close to her heart.
With a growing interest in psychology, Iulia dreams of one day pursuing formal studies in the field. She’s a natural listener, always ready to lend a hand, to encourage and to bring people together. Through ROUCA, she’s found not only a community but a second home, a place where Romanian traditions, language and values stay alive for the next generation.
For Iulia, ROUCA means belonging. It’s the space where she reconnects with Romania, where she can give something meaningful back and where she continues to build bridges between people and cultures.
We’re grateful to have her at the heart of ROUCA’s story.
Young Volunteer Opportunities
Join Our Young Volunteers Program!
Are you a young person looking to make a difference, gain valuable experience and have fun along the way? Our school is offering exciting volunteer opportunities for enthusiastic individuals who want to help with our arts and crafts workshops, team games, reading and writing activities.
By joining us, you'll have the chance to inspire young minds, develop leadership skills and contribute to a positive learning environment. Volunteering is not just about giving back, it’s about shaping your own future, building confidence and gaining experience that will benefit you in any path you choose.
If you’re ready to be a role model and help children learn in a fun and engaging way, we’d love to have you on board!
Volunteer with ROMANIAN ORGANISATION FOR COMMUNITY ADVANCEMENT CIC
Join our community
We are a group of volunteers dedicated to making a positive impact in our local community. By joining us, you'll have the opportunity to meet new people and make a difference in the lives of those around you.
Help with fundraising
Fundraising is a critical part of our organization's efforts. We need volunteers to help plan and execute fundraising events, as well as to reach out to potential donors and sponsors.