Recognition of non formal learning and the European Portfolio for youth workers and leaders

Aims & objectives

Training aim was to provide a wider introduction to concept like: recognition of non formal learning within an European context, self-assessment of learning , validation and certification, but at the same time give to participants the opportunity to experiment on themselves the European Portfolio for youth workers and youth leaders working in the
context of non-formal education.

Objectives of the training are:
-raising awareness on recognition and validation issues
- providing an adequate space of learning for reflecting on the role of
Youth workers and youth leaders and the context of youth work in Europe
- have a practical experience of self-assessment of own participants competences
- multiply the knowledge and the debate around the portfolio as a tool to improve the
quality of youth work at local and international level

Methodology:
• Self direct learning and Self assessment of skills and competences are the 2 working methods of reference around which the trainers and the group of participants will orientate themselves.
• The experience of the participants will play a decisive role in the course. The course programme includes a session to share and compare different examples at national level or within organization educational policies in recognition of skills and competences acquired in non formal learning.

The training was attended by 24 participants from 14 EU and SEE countries. Outcome of the training was the increased knowledge of Portfolio and other validation tools at local level and motivation to share those further. Team of trainers was two. I was in charge of leading sessions on: Experience of recognition of non formal education /learning in Europe; Developments of recognition of non formal education learning at European level; Functions of youth work; Recognition of competences in youth work; Introduction to European Portfolio;
Assessing my Competences of youth workers/leaders; The role of Feedback (how to use feedback in youth work). Also I was in charge for mentoring session on development of personal plans.

Target group & international/intercultural composition of the group & team

22 Youth workers acting at local level (an international experience could be useful but not strictly necessary) with good connection with collegues, peers in their community/region so that they can also act as mutliplier once back home.

Serbia : 3 participants
Macedonia : 3 participants
France : 1 participant
Spain : 1 participant
Montenegro : 4 participants
Bosnia and Hercogovina : 1 participant
Kosovo : 1 participant
Poland : 3 participants
UK : 1 participant
Italy : 2 participants
The Netherlands : 1 participant
Lithuania : 1 participant

Training methods used & main activities

Self direct learning and Self assestment of skills and competences are the 2 working methods of reference around which the trainers and the group of participants orientated themselves. The experience of the participants played a decisive role in the course. The course programme also included a session to share and compare different examples at national level/within organisation educational policies in recognition of skills and competences acquired in non formal learning.

Outcomes of the activity

Direct outcome were 22 youth workers more aware and informed about issue of recognition and able and motivated to act as mutliplier once back home.

Your tasks and responsibilities within the team

Co-trainer and organiser

I worked on this training for 5 days as a full time trainer.