CONFERENCE REPORTYOUTHPASS IN ACTIONIMPACT, PRACTICE AND FUTURE

June 24-25, 2013, Brussels, Belgium

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BACKGROUND

Youthpass, the European tool to improve the recognition of the learning outcomes of

young people and youth workers/leaders, from their participation in projects

supported by the EU Youth in Action Programme, was launched in July 2007. Since

then, approximately 11,000 organisations have issued more than 265,000 Youthpass

certificates to young people and youth workers, who have participated in over 23,000

projects. A considerable amount of experience has been developed across Europe

with regards to Youthpass, this includes: putting it into practice; implementing it as a

tool to reflect on learning within Youth in Action Programme projects; and on using it

for further personal and professional development. The new European Union

Erasmus+ Programme (2014-2020) will also contain Youthpass and offers new

perspectives and frameworks for it. After six years of Youthpass implementation, the

European Commission implemented the ‘Youthpass Impact Study’ and published the

results of it.

‘Youthpass in Action. Impact, Practice and Future’, was organised by SALTO

Training and Cooperation Resource Centre and JUGEND für Europa, the German

National Agency for the Youth in Action Programme. It was organised in cooperation

with the National Agencies of France, Hungary, Lithuania and Slovakia. The

conference was targeting various experts in the youth field, including national and

European policy makers, youth workers and youth leaders, trainers in the youth field,

National Agencies, and other experts interested in contributing to the future

implementation of Youthpass.

The aims of the event:

To learn about and discuss the results of the Youthpass Impact Study

To explore good practices of using Youthpass

To develop recommendations for the future development of the tool and the

surrounding strategy

To celebrate the Youthpass achievements

SUMMARY

The conference gathered around 100 experts, policy makers, researchers, representatives of

local and international youth organisations, free-lance trainers, representatives of local and

national youth authorities and other Youthpass practitioners. Participants came from 30

European and neighbouring countries. The moderators of the conference programme were

Gisele Evrard and Darko Markovic.

The programme of the conference was structured around two elements; Youthpass

implementation so far, and further Youthpass developments. It balanced opportunities to

both get and share information, which was strongly supported by diverse and creative

methodology. The programme of the first day gave special attention to what was behind

Youthpass achievements – people, processes, institutions, and events. It provided some

specific examples of Youthpass and reviewed the results of the ‘Youthpass Impact Study’,

this provided a lot of information for discussions in self-directed learning groups. It also

created space to reflect and exchange views on participants’ Youthpass experiences’ so far.

The programme of the second

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day looked at further challenges

and possibilities for Youthpass.

The presentation, ‘The Future

of Learning’, provided a

moment to explore the topic of

learning from new and inspiring

perspectives. The main statement of the European Commission on the framework of the new

programme generation Erasmus+ fostered the creation of a common understanding of the

role of Youthpass in the new programme. This bigger picture was brought to a common

ground by discussing further recommendations in six working groups, each related to a

specific element of Youthpass development.

Learning Out of the Box is a tool for helping to address the topic of ‘learning’

in a fun, engaging and inspiring way, it was created for this event and is

available online on https://www.youthpass.eu/en/youthpass/downloads/learning-out-of-the-

box/

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PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

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THE CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

Monday 24th June 2013

INTRODUCTION

By the moderators Gisele Evrard and Darko Markovic.

The moderators welcomed the participants by introducing the conference as a space to

reflect on experience, exchange practices, celebrate achievements and envision further

Youthpass developments.

WELCOMING WORDS

Artur Payer (European Commission) and Kristiina Pernits (SALTO T&C RC) opened the

‘Youthpass in Action’ event by welcoming people and expressing their satisfaction at the

main outcomes of the ‘Youthpass Impact Study’. They also expressed satisfaction at the

general achievements of the implementation and development of Youthpass since its launch.

Artur Payer emphasized his appreciation towards the contribution of all involved in the

achievements of Youthpass implementation.

OPENING SPEECH

Hans-Georg Wicke, Head of JUGEND für Europa and Head of SALTO T&C RC.

Hans-Georg Wicke emphasized the following dimensions of Youthpass as important and to

have in mind when looking at Youthpass implementation and developments: Youthpass as a

certificate; Youthpass as a process; and Youthpass as a strategy.

When looking at Youthpass as a certificate, there are constantly rising figures for all actions.

When looking at Youthpass as a process, there are a wide range of support materials that

have been developed and a high number of Youthpass-related trainings implemented. When

looking at Youthpass as a strategy, there is the involvement and contribution of Youthpass to

the further developments of recognition of non-formal and informal learning across Europe

and beyond.

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To support all these achievements, a big network has been developed that has significantly

contributed to the success of Youthpass. It includes the SALTO Resource Centres, the

National Agencies of the Youth in Action Programme, Youthpass contact persons, the

Youthpass Recognition Team, trainers at national level, researchers, the European Youth

Forum, the partnership between the European Commission and the Council of Europe in the

field of youth, the Youthpass Advisory Group and last but not least, all beneficiaries of the

Youth in Action Programme who have implemented Youthpass and its related process.

All four dimensions of recognition of non-formal and informal

learning (individual, social, formal and political) are

embedded in the Youthpass strategy and were tackled when

discussing its implementation and developments. Hans-

Georg Wicke underlined the Youthpass contribution to

individual recognition of non-formal learning, particularly in

raising awareness of and in supporting the communication of

learning outcomes.

Youthpass implementation has also been enhancing social r

informal learning. If looking at the level of political recognition, Y

quality developments and debates around learning and recogn

at European level, and at some national levels.

Hans-Georg Wicke emphasized that it was the right moment t

future developments of Youthpass, particularly having the

Erasmus+ from 2014. He concluded by making an invitation

future stakeholders for future Youthpass implementation and de

“Let’s be as ambitious as in the past and let’s make

ourselves and for the one

ecognition of non-formal and

outhpass has had its place in

ition of learning in youth work

o more intensively look at the

new programme generation

to all the past, present and

velopment:

the process challenging for

s we are cooperating with”.

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HISTORY OF YOUTHPASS ... SOME MILESTONES & THE

WIDER PICTURE

Presented by Rita Bergstein, SALTO Training and Cooperation Resource Centre and

Manfred von Hebel, JUGEND für Europa.

The history of Youthpass was presented through an interactive quiz for the audience.

The presenters provided further explanations with the correct answers, illustrating

them by stories and introducing the background of specific events and developments.

SOME MILESTONES

2004 – Presentation of the midterm evaluation of the ‘Youth Programme’ – there wasan urgent need identified to document the learning happening in the activitiesundertaken within the Programme.

1st April 2005 – SALTO T&C RC started to work on Youthpass development, amongothers a first Youthpass working group was established in October 2005 to developYouthpass for EVS. This was in cooperation with colleagues from Cyprus, Germany,Hungary, Poland, the UK, France, Slovakia, and the European Youth Forum, as wellas a number of experts and beneficiaries.

December 2006 – First Youthpass Training Course in Austria. ‘Recognition of Non-Formal Learning in the Youth in Action Programme and the Introduction ofYouthpass’.

July 2007 – The Programme Committee’s decision on the implementation ofYouthpass within the Youth in Action Programme. It was a decision targeting thewhole programme that started earlier in January – Youthpass could be issuedretroactively.

September 2007 – Launch of the website ww.youthpass.eu which contains thetechnical tool to generate certificates.

March 2008 – First translations of certificates and website started.

2009 – The Youthpass Guide was published. Available so far in 5 languages. It hascontributed a lot to the broader discussion on the recognition of non-formal learningwith additional support material.

2010 – The Youthpass website was re-launched. It has been translated in 25languages so far.

2012/2013 – Youthpass Impact Study and certificates are finally available for allActions in the Youth in Action Programme.

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THE WIDER PICTURE

Since the development of Youthpass is not linear, it is quite interesting and important

to look at related developments.

2005 – 'Bridges for Recognition of Youth Work', a European event organised by the SALTO

Inclusion Resource Centre in Belgium. It brought together youth workers, trainers, non-formal

and formal learning providers, social partners from the labour market, and policy makers.

The concept was to take further steps towards the recognition of non-formal learning and

youth work.

In May 2006 the EU Council under the Austrian presidency adopted 'A Resolution of the

value of non-formal and informal learning within the European youth field'. This was an

important moment for Youthpass. Based on this, the Commission, together with the Member

States, developed a comparable and transparent youth-specific instrument – Youthpass – for

the recognition of learning in the youth field, also more specifically targeting learning in the

different activities of the Youth in Action Programme.

2009 – 'The EU Strategy for Youth – Investing and Empowering (2010-2018)' invited better

recognition of skills acquired through non-formal education and learning for young people. It

emphasized the need for full use to be made of the range of tools established at EU level for

the validation of knowledge, skills and competences (e.g. Youthpass).

2011 – 'Pathways 2.0 towards recognition of non-formal learning/education and of youth

work in Europe' – a working paper of the partnership between the European Commission

and the Council of Europe in the field of youth.

2011 – 'Symposium on recognition of youth work and non-formal learning "GETTING

THERE"' in Strasbourg, France. This aimed at establishing a common ground for a medium

and long-term coordinated strategy, the so-called Strasbourg process, towards the

recognition of youth work and non-formal learning in Europe, with the involvement of actors

and stakeholders from the various sectors of policy concerned.

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2012 – 'Symposium on Youth Policy Cooperation in South East Europe: focus on recognition

of non-formal learning and youth work' in Tirana, Albania. This continued the reflection,

exchange of views and development of ideas from previous European level meetings,

particularly in reference to the Symposium “GETTING THERE” in 2011.

The Strasbourg Process is the European political process that consolidates at European

level the recognition strategies of youth work and non-formal learning. It is directly related to

the Statement and the Plan of Action adopted by the participants of the Symposium

“GETTING THERE”. The Strasbourg Process is complementary with, 'The EU Council

Recommendation on validation of non-formal and informal learning' (2012).

2013 – At the end of April the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted

'A recommendation on "Young Europeans: an urgent educational challenge"’. The document

emphasizes, among other things, the importance of recognition and the validation of

competences gained in non-formal learning and youth work. The Member States should

intensify efforts aimed at the recognition of youth work and non-formal and informal learning,

taking into account the proposals put forward by the Strasbourg Process.

For further reference: There is an overview of documents and developments regarding the recognition

of non-formal and informal learning done by SALTO T&C RC, available at https://www.salto-

youth.net/recognition/

WHO ARE THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE DEVELOPMENT OF

YOUTHPASS?

After looking at the wider context presented in ‘The History of Youthpass’, there was

a moment at the conference for looking more closely at the people involved in the

development of Youthpass.

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THE YOUTHPASS ADVISORY GROUP MEMBERS

Name Institution/Organisation

1 Hans-Georg Wicke JUGEND für Europa

2 Simon Chambers British Council

3 Gilles Baccala INJEP

4 Janez Skulj MOVIT NA Mladina

5 Koen Lambert JINT v.z.w.

6 Irmeli Karhio CIMO

7 Laura Lopez-Bech European Youth Forum

8 Mark Taylor Freelance trainer – UNIQUE

9 Paul Kloosterman Freelance trainer – Pame Ambro

10 Michel Angelo Belletti Vedogiovane (NGO)

11 Hans Joachim Schild EU-CoE Youth Partnership

12 Artur Payer European Commission, DG EAC, D.1

Youth

13 Fabienne Metayer European Commission, DG EAC, D.1

Youth

14 Bruno Breviglieri Education, Audiovisual & Culture

Executive Agency

15 Fatima Lanaan SALTO Participation RC

16 Rita Bergstein c/o Jugend für Europa

17 Kristiina Pernits c/o Jugend für Europa

(State of affairs June 2013)

EXPERIENCIES IN YOUTHPASS DEVELOPMENT

Several members of the Youthpass Advisory group were invited onto the stage,

introduced and briefly interviewed by the moderators, each member was posed one

question. Below are the questions and answers of some the interviewed members of

the Youthpass Advisory Group.

How is it to work with recognition and Youthpass issues in the Commission

and with colleagues from other units and Directorate Generals?

“We do not always speak the same language, we do not necessarily have the same view and

many people focus on the results/outcomes while the youth field is much more focused on

the process. Although this work is challenging, it is necessary. With Youthpass there is

something concrete to put forward – a showcase we can work on.”

Fabienne Metayer, European Commission, DG EAC, D.1 Youth

“I

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What is your office daily reality iam working with networks, I am inv

veloping educational materials, in prov

rk that contributes to every key compet

istiina Pernits, SALTO T&C RC

OUTHPASS GOOD PRAC

esented by Tadej Pugelj, Simona M

uthpass Recognition Team).

ere is a constant need to share, dis

actices, both as a source of

plementation. As one way to me

veloped: a collection of 10 cards, ea

how Youthpass has been used. The

e ‘Youthpass Impact Study’ and sele

situations, feelings, results and peop

“Youth

proces

very im

Theref

there i

Laura L

Is there a risk of formalisation of non-formallearning with Youthpass?

pass is much more than a certificate – the

s dimension and the self-assessment part are

portant features and great values of Youthpass.

ore and precisely thanks to those dimensions,

s no risk of over-formalising youth work.”

n working on Youthpass?olved in technical developments, translations, in

iding support to beneficiaries. It is a very diverse

ence.”

TICES

olari and Mark Taylor (representatives of the

seminate and give visibility to Youthpass good

further developments and for Youthpass

et this need Good Practice Postcards were

ch of them with a different example/testimony

examples were taken from the raw material of

cted by taking into consideration a wide range

le.

opez-Bech, European Youth Forum

PAGE 12

The following is one of the examples; it is the

words of a youth worker describing an

example of a Youthpass experience of a

young person.

Radu, youth worker

“A young Roma man applied for employment in

several places and was not hired because he could not show he knew enough English for

the job. He participated in a youth exchange project and received a Youthpass showing his

competence in the English language. After he received

Youthpass, the young man applied for the job again, this time

specifying that he had this certificate. And he was hired – even

by one of the companies who previously refused him.”

The postcards with the Youthpass testimonies are available for o

www.youthpass.eu/en/youthpass/downloads/testimonies/

YOUTHPASS IMPACT STUDY

Authors Marti Taru and Paul Kloosterman.

Presented by Marti Taru, Tallinn University.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE STUDY

In the spring of 2012, the European Commission

started the implementation of the impact study on Youthpas

impact of Youthpass on participants of the Youth in Action

its role in:

Supporting non-formal learning of individuals withi

Documenting young people's and youth workers

learning outcomes;

rder and for download from

s. It aimed to assess the

Programme and describe

n the youth work sector;

' learning processes and

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Helping young people and youth workers to communicate obtained

competences when undertaking further steps in their individual pathways,

e.g. when applying for educational programmes or for a job.

The study was based on an online survey that targeted both organisations which had

implemented Youthpass in Youth in Action Programme projects and participants of

those projects. All the projects survey occurred between 2007 and 2011. A total of

741 organisations and 1143 participants replied to the online survey. The online

survey was complemented by a series of focus groups carried out with participants,

volunteers, youth workers, and other stakeholders. The study also contains

references to other documents that tackle the same topic.

Marti Taru emphasized that there was a good geographical coverage and

representation of young people, the majority of them being 18 – 26 years old.

Different actions of the Programme were also well represented taking into

consideration both long and short-term projects.

RESULTS OF THE STUDY

Marti Taru presented the outcomes of the study, based on 4 main points.

1. What is Youthpass? The image of Youthpass.

The main findings showed that in all the researched actions Youthpass has been generally

perceived as a certificate that describes what someone has learned. Some specific findings

highlighted the differences in participants’ perception of Youthpass’ image according to

different actions.

General recommendations in relation to the image of Youthpass are: the website should be

developed towards a more interactive tool for participants, and further translations of the

certificates, website and support materials should be encouraged to promote the use of the

Youthpass certificates in various languages.

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2. Youthpass as an instrument for supporting individual learning.

Marti Taru emphasized that participants recognized on a personal level a much wider range

of changes than before working with Youthpass. He further elaborated that the nature of

learning has been better understood and that participants in general felt more responsible for

their own learning. Similar results were coming from the consultation groups of stakeholders

who perceived the learning experiences also as complementary to skills and competences

learned in school. Findings from the consultation groups also pointed out that some of the

stakeholders questioned the validity of the outcomes because they are mainly identified by

the young people themselves. To address this issue, Marti Taru suggested that “more

participant-tailored support should be provided when it comes to self-assessment”.

3. Youthpass as a transfer document.

Findings from the focus groups showed that employers recognised more and more the value

of skills obtained in youth work. At the same time, it was evident that the recognition of youth

work influences the role and recognition of Youthpass.

Marti Taru stated that there should be steps undertaken to

increase the awareness of Youthpass within the formal

education sector (vocational training, higher education), and

with employers. He concluded by saying that young people

should be aware of the need and equipped to, communicate

their learning outcomes from non-formal and informal

learning experiences.

4. Youthpass as an instrument to improve quality and recognition of youth

work.

The main findings showed that Youthpass helped in the structuring of learning in a project.

Marti Taru pointed out that, in order to raise the quality of reflection on learning, it is

important to have a dialogue process integrated more closely in the project. Findings also

showed that, as a crucial element for the quality of the implementation of Youthpass, further

training is needed.

One of the main findings, Marti Taru emphasized, was that Youthpass helped people to

rethink about what non-formal learning is. It is also seen as a catalyst for discussions about

the quality of youth work.

PAGE 15

The complete report of the study, as well as a video introducing the main results, is

available on www.youthpass.eu/en/youthpass/downloads/youthpass-impact-study/

EXPLORING THE OUTCOMES OF THE STUDY IN MORE

DEPTH

The participants had an opportunity to go deeper into the study results and to discuss

them within the specially designed self-directed learning spaces.

OUTCOMES OF GROUPS DISCUSSIONS:

Starting with the Youthpass image, many participants expressed a need for further support

for a broader understanding and use of Youthpass in the youth work field, but also outside of

it. Many comments stated that a stronger focus on working with young people with fewer

opportunities should be an important element for further developments of Youthpass.

“Youthpass is often the first positive and only ‘official’ paper that young people with

fewer opportunities receive”.

There were several good practices mentioned in relation to this, such as:

translating certificates into national languages;

translating the language of the 8 Key Competences into user-friendly language;

supporting the process of linking learning outcomes to the Key competences

framework;

motivating young people and supporting more youth workers.

The issue of self-assessment raised a lot of attention as an element that seems essential for

Youthpass but at the same time is also one of the most challenging ones.

“Self-assessment seems difficult – we should make it is easier, but at the same time

as valuable as external assessment”.

PAGE 16

There seems to be no doubt that Youthpass supports learning and competence

development. Youthpass works if applied wisely and if guided, if it is used and understood as

a process that can then improve the quality of youth work.

There was a strong discussion around the impact of Youthpass on participants’ education

and employability perspectives. On the one hand, there was a perceived risk of too much

focus on employment but on the other hand, there was also the need identified to increase

formal recognition of non-formal learning achievements. There was a clear call for further

promoting Youthpass, for developing the communication with employers and for finding ways

to involve them in the Youthpass-related developments.

Several questions tackled the relevance of u

success of using Youthpass as a reference the

it the effect of the way the owner presented it?’ ‘

prepared to present one’s own competences?’

In general, the presentation of the ‘Youthpass Im

as well as the discussions in the groups. The

deeper into the exploration of the results. One qu

the topics discussed: “It seems that we are usi

individual recognition. Can we use it for all thr

Maybe people should choose which level of reco

One of the questions in relation to this that

raised lot of attention was, ‘What should be

the next steps in these processes – further

study of the needs of employers or

sing Youthpass as a reference: ‘Was the

effect of the Youthpass certificate itself, or is

Should one present a document or rather be

pact Study’ results was highly appreciated,

re was a common feeling of a need to go

estion from the participants echoed many of

ng the same tool for social, formal, and for

ee levels of recognition at the same time?

gnition they want to relate to?”

promotion of the instrument?’

PAGE 17

YOUTHPASS PARTY

The first working day of the conferen

achievements and the evaluation of Youthp

more oriented at looking at the future chall

The presentation of the outcomes of the s

for Change’, provided different and inspirin

learning. It explored how these perspectiv

concretizing of further recommendations fo

Keynote speech: THE FUTURE

Matthijs Leendertse, Erasmus University, co-a

Preparing for Change.’

The report aimed to identify, understan

expected to change by analysing curren

vision of the future. It also aimed to devel

learning opportunities should be develope

socio-economic inclusion and economic gr

by a series of extensive stakeholder cons

and taking into consideration all three pil

informal.

At the end of the day came the moment

to celebrate as well, to have fun and to

Tuesday 25 June 2013

ce had mostly been focused on the

ass implementation. The second day was

enges and further directions of Youthpass.

tudy ‘The Future of Learning – Preparing

g perspectives on non-formal and informal

es have contributed in the rethinking and

r Youthpass developments.

OF LEARNING

uthor of the report ‘The Future of Learning -

d and map how learning strategies are

t trends, and thus creating a descriptive

op a normative vision outlining how future

d in order to contribute to social cohesion,

owth. These objectives were implemented

ultations involving more than 100 experts

lars of education: formal, non-formal and

share some Youthpass certificates .

PAGE 18

‘Engaging Learning’ is referring toOne important question with regaresources? “One of the approachbetter use of social media andThere are also massive open olearning”.

‘Flexibility’ as de-formalising learnand that education is much broa“learning should be location and ti

‘Testing and Certification’, Matthmoving towards process evaluatprocess, similarly to what happenthe future of the process of certifieducational services and measurethe assessment of learning couldprovide the services for learning.mix and match approach; heinstruments, etc. He concludedexperiments in this field.

with existing platforms, social networks,

The overall vision was that personalisation,

collaboration and informalisation (informal

learning) will be the core of learning in the

future. There are three main pillars that need

to be taken into consideration when

learning as being personal, social and interactive.rds to this is how to personalize learning with limitedes,” Matthijs Leendertse said, “could be through a

networks, since it is the era of internet platforms.nline courses (MOOCs) as possible resources for

ing, means that learning is happening everywhereder than only schooling. “Therefore,” he stressed,me independent, outside of institutions”.

ijs Leendertse pointed out that ‘testing’ should beion, for example having the possibility to track thes on a Facebook wall. He raised an issue related tocation. He stated that, currently institutions offer the

the learning outcomes by themselves, in the futurebe completely detached from the institutions which

He stressed that any possible solutions should be agave examples like TOEFL, Linked-in, Portfolioby stating that it is time to start doing lots of

describing future learning:

There was a short exchange with the audience after his

presentation and one of the questions raised was: “Is

Youthpass on the right track?” Matthijs Leendertse

answered that Youthpass can be an example for a

wider audience of how the learning can be recognised.

He also emphasized that Youthpass should start

connecting more with technology as soon as possible –

etc.

A second question was related to institutions and how much they are taking into

consideration experiences gained out of school. Matthijs Leendertse answered that he thinks

these experiences are taken into consideration, but he also emphasized that institutions

need to know that the certificates are actually true and based on clear assessment

processes.

THE FUTURE OF YOUTHPASS: MAIN STATEMENT

Presented by Giorgio Guazzugli-Marini, DG Education and Culture, European

Commission

Giorgio Guazzugli-Marini started by saying that the results of the Youthpass Impact Study

confirm the feeling that Youthpass is valued in two dimensions: as a certificate; and as a tool

that stimulates reflection in a given Youth in Action Programme project. He added that, both

dimensions promote social and formal recognition (employment and education).

Youthpass helped to raise the understanding of what young people learn in international

youth work activities and helped them in knowing how to convey this in other contexts

(studies, jobs). Youthpass has a big potential as an instrument that reaches a large number

of beneficiaries. It can be a reference in the field and can inspire and improve the recognition

of non-formal learning. The systemic impact of Youthpass has been underlined as very

important for the engagement of the European Commission in youth work.

Giorgio Guazzugli-Marini expressed “a renewed enthusiasm

with more awareness of the benefit of the tool coming from the

study that also supports our future work”. He mentioned two

dimensions to improve: first, Youthpass as a certificate and as

a technical tool, and second, the question of how to train youth

PAGE 19

workers in supporting the self-assessment process.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS OF YOUTHPASS –

RECOMMENDATIONS OF 6 WORKING GROUPS

The conference invited participants to reflect in groups on different dimensions for

further developments of Youthpass. Working groups provided a space for

participants to discuss and contribute with their ideas and proposals with regard to

the future developments of Youthpass. The outcomes of the working group

discussions were presented by the groups’ facilitators in plenary.

RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE 6 WORKING GROUPS

1. Youthpass certificates and the technical tool.

The questions discussed: What are the important elements for the future of Youthpass? Who should

be the owner of the certificate (e.g. who should have access to amend the certificate)? What should it

entail in terms of technical solutions (specific focus on the technical tool)?

The general recommendation was that the technical tool should become more dynamic and

open to adjustments according to the needs of the users. When looking at National Agencies

as users, it was suggested to have the possibility for the electronic issuing without printing (e-

validation, e-signature).

Regarding participants who receive Youthpass

Yo

be

un

lite

Be

an

PAGE 20

certificates, there was a suggestion to create a

possibility for a so-called ‘My Youthpass’

account, where different Youthpass certificates

from all Youth in Action Programme activities

could be stored. In relation to this, it was also

suggested that the concept of a ‘Super

uthpass’ could be created (taking relevant competences from all previous experiences and

ing able to customise it for specific purposes – e.g. for employment, etc.). What was

derlined as important was to maintain and further develop relevant support for less digitally

rate young people and for those with no access to the Internet.

sides this, the possibility to connect Youthpass with other tools e.g. LinkedIn, Europass,

d employment agencies, was also considered as important for future developments.

2. Institutional/organisational frameworks around the tool and the position of

Youthpass.

The questions discussed: What should be the future institutional framework around Youthpass? What

are the roles that actors and stakeholders should play, both on European and on national levels? How

to best position Youthpass in the new EU programme? What should be the relation to other existing

tools and recognition mechanisms at European level (and national levels)?

It was regarded as important to keep offering transnational training on the Youthpass

process and further promoting of the specific qualities of Youthpass: the educational

approach and support for the learning processes; and enhancing the participation and

citizenship elements of the Programme.

Youthpass development in other fields, beyond the Youth in Action Programme, should be a

continuous process with a step-by-step approach in opening it wider to other users.

There was a need identified to link Youthpass to other recognition instruments on European

and national levels, especially Europass (and the European Skills Passport), building

interlinks where Youthpass can and should fit in.

3. Recognition of the tool.

The questions discussed: How to ensure that all the dimensions of recognition of non-formal

and informal learning and of youth work are tackled and embedded in the work around

Youthpass: formal, political, social, and self-recognition?

In relation to self-recognition there was a need identified to invest in the quality of the

Youthpass process and also to translate Youthpass into CVs, so it is better understood.

What was underlined in relation to self-recognition was ‘to believe in what we do when we act

on recognition’.

Considering recognition measures, it was seen as

PAGE 21

important to develop communication strategies on

different levels and to develop specially targeted

communication strategies for discussions going

beyond the youth field.

PAGE 22

Youthpass as a tool for recognition of non-formal and informal learning can support the

processes of recognition for youth work itself. It was considered important to foster and/or

use synergies with other instruments. Integration of new technologies in the recognition and

visibility strategies has been seen as a necessary element.

4. Contribution of Youthpass to the quality of youth work.

The questions discussed: How do you see the role of Youthpass in relation to the quality of

youth work (possibly in both directions)? What is the role of the ‘Youthpass process’, with

regard to a better awareness of learning (processes and outcomes), in youth work?

Youthpass has been considered in general, as an instrument for raising better awareness of

learning, both processes and outcomes, in youth work. More specifically it has been

identified that Youthpass fosters awareness of youth workers and youth organizations on

both the learning and the educational dimensions of their activities.

Youthpass could further contribute to the

quality of youth work by providing a tool for

youth workers to get recognition from their

stakeholders (e.g. youth policy makers). In

relation to this, the promotion of Youthpass

was considered as an important element for

contributing to social recognition of youth work and non-formal learning.

More concrete recommendations were related to ensuring a better explanation of Youthpass

in the application forms and final reports. Another recommendation was for ensuring and

developing support measures in/for National Agencies for implementing the Youthpass

process, particularly with informal groups and youth initiatives.

5. Support of organisations/users in working with Youthpass.

Practical suggestions on how to develop support – Youthpass for young people with fewer

opportunities.

PAGE 23

Youthpass should be more accessible to young people (e.g. connected to social media, part

of one’s portfolio). Videos/success stories of peer multipliers were proposed as ways to

motivate young people for using Youthpass.

To support and ensure the commitment of organisations for explaining Youthpass to young

people, there needs to be proper preparation of these organisations and at the same time

projects need to be structured in line with the learning process concept.

National Agencies were seen as possible focal points for the resource database that could

be built on local/regional resources. This could be done by sending out a call for

organisations/youth workers who are willing to support and consult others on a voluntary

basis.

There was a need identified for innovative ways of better motivating youth workers such as:

involvement of local youth authorities to support youth workers within the overall Youthpass

process; and having one responsible person for filling in Youthpass per organisation.

6. Learning to learn and the changing role of youth workers.

The questions discussed: How do you see the role of ‘learning to learn’ in relation to the

Youthpass process in the future? What requirements does a focus on ‘learning to learn’ put

on the role of youth worker/mentor/coach/trainer and their competences?

There were several things highlighted that need to be taken into consideration within the

‘learning to learn’ concept implementation. Learning to learn

(L2L) was seen as a horizontal/transversal competence,

therefore it was considered that it should be used in

conjunction with all the key competences when describing

the learning in Youthpass. More concretely, it was

recommended that the best way to introduce L2L was to

enter into it and to reflect on the process.

L2L has an empowering function for participants. It was

seen as one of the many steps to give meaning to active

citizenship, for example. It was pointed out that many school systems do not foster this

competence, so young people going from Youth in Action Programme activities back into

school need to be aware of that fact.

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It was suggested that more emphasis should be given to training youth workers, mentors,

organisers, institutional representatives and trainers in the theories and practices of L2L. In

relation to this, trainers and youth workers should also be made aware of approaches and

research about learning currently appearing through networks such as RAY and UNIQUE,

etc. Particularly interesting was a research report by Arturas Deltuva on ‘Factors Supporting

Learning in Mobility Projects.’

CURRENT DEVELOPMENT OF YOUTHPASS

Rita Bergstein and Kristiina Pernits, SALTO Training and Cooperation Resource Centre.

Some of the latest developments were presented:

the latest actions within the Youth in Action Programme for which Youthpass is alsonow available (action 1.3 and action 5.1)

current technical developments like possible online communication with participantswhen preparing the reflection on the individual learning outcomes

an overview page and notifications

a search tool.

Rita Bergstein and Kristiina Pernits emphasised the need for the adaption/development of

Youthpass into the next programme generation. They also underlined the importance of

Youthpass developments going beyond the Youth in Action Programme, with a test phase

being conducted throughout 2013. Moreover, they both highlighted the importance of the

dissemination of good practices; this will also be

available online.

Rita Bergstein introduced the wider recognition picture

at all levels: European, national and local. She

mentioned the Eastern Partnership Youth Window, the

Lithuanian Presidency conference, which will take place

in October and highlight recognition for social inclusion, the support to local recognition

strategies, and the national qualification framework debates.

Kristiina Pernits concluded by emphasising the importance of further educational support, in

concrete by providing further online material and a booklet on supporting learning in

individual contexts.

PAGE 25

SUMMARY OF THE EVALUATION BY THE PARTICIPANTS

Most of the participants expressed their general satisfaction with regard to the programme

and the organisation of the event. For many of them there was a good combination of inputs

from speakers and gathering of inputs from participants. Participants were also positive

about the methodology used and the facilitation. A lot of participants highly appreciated the

opportunities to share experiences and practices with other participants, especially in the

working groups, even if time was short, discussions were productive. Many participants were

very satisfied with the various presentations, particularly pointing out ‘The Future of Learning’

by Matthijs Leendertse. There were also comments from some participants that having more

time to go into specific topics would have been appreciated as well. Some participants

expressed their satisfaction about the selection of the participants: good geographical

coverage and for having various stakeholders present. Several participants expressed their

appreciation of the venue.

Some of the words used by participants to express their impressions were as follows:

“useful”, “new perspectives”, “enlightening”, “inspiration”, “feeling common spirit”,

“motivating”, “valuable”.

“A good opportunity to connect and reconnect – with the people, the topic and the

challenges.”

PAGE 26

Youthpass in Action. Impact, practice and

future’ was prepared and carried out in

cooperation with:

Report by Vojislava Tomić Radivojša for SALTO Training and Cooperation Resource Centre

October 2013

Proof-reading by Nik Paddison

Lay out by Kreativraum www.kreativraum.de

ANNEX : List of participants

PAGE 27

First name Last name Country Organisation

Albina Khasanzyanova France Center of Studies and Researches in Employmentand Professionalization

Alena Tomanova SlovakRepublic

IUVENTA - Slovak National Agency

Amr Arafa Egypt Waseela for Training and Development

Andrej Dudáč Slovakia IUVENTA - Slovak Youth Institute

Angelica Perra Italy TDM 2000 International

Anitta Jaakola Finland Municipality of Ranua

Anna Mossolova Estonia Estonian UNESCO Youth Association

Anne Ginier-Gillet France CALLIOPE

Annette Mütter Germany IKAB-Bildungswerk e.V.

Artur Payer Belgium DG Education and Culture, European Commission

Bridget Mamo Malta Employment and Training Corporation

Danjela Guxha Albania ASD - Albanian Society in Development

Darko Markovic Serbia Inn.Side

Dik van der Wal Netherlands DUO / National Europass Centre Netherlands

Fabienne Metayer Belgium DG Education and Culture, European Commission

Francesca Ruggeri Italy CISME s.c.r.l

Francesco Ferrari Italy EFA - équipe di formatori associate

Gabriela Salgado Portugal Portuguese NA for Youth in Action

Giedre Tumosaite Lithuania Education Development Centre

Gilles Baccala France INJEP, French NA for Youth in Action

Giorgi Kikalishvili Georgia Youth Association DRONI

Giorgio Guazzugli-Marini

Belgium DG Education and Culture, European Commission

Gisele Evrard Belgium Taaluma

Gökhan Çoğalırlar Turkey Youth Participation and Intercultural DialogueAssociation

Hans-Georg Wicke Germany JUGEND für Europa, German NA for Youth in Action

HelgaDagny

Árnadóttir Iceland Youth in Action / Evrópa unga fólksins

Hilal Çerçel Turkey Turkish Ex-European Voluntary Service VolunteersAssociation

Ieva Silinevica Finland Centre for International Mobility CIMO

Igor Pronobis Poland Instytut Dziedzictwa Kruszwicy

Ildikó Gulácsi Hungary Hungarian NA for Youth in Action

Inge Linne Germany JUGEND für Europa, German NA for Youth in Action

Ingrid Müller Germany JUGEND für Europa, German NA for Youth in Action

Irakli Zhorzholiani Georgia LEPL "Children and Youth Development Fund"under the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs ofGeorgia

Irem Ünlü Turkey Etimesgut Directory of Local Education

Irena Karakachanova Bulgaria Ministry of Education, Youth and Science, YouthDirectorate

Isabel Herzhoff Germany JUGEND für Europa, German NA for Youth in Action

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Itana Miljanic Serbia Belgrade Open School

Iva MaciáHavlíčková

CzechRepublic

Hodina H, o.s.

Jakub Mati SlovakRepublic

Estra Foundation n. o. (European Strategies ofTraining and Research Academy)

Jo Peeters Netherlands 'Huis van de Jeugd'', Regional Office for Support ofYouth Work

Joaquim Pequicho Portugal Cooperativa de Ensino e Reabilitação de CriançasInadaptadas da Nazaré, C.R.L.

Johannes Bergunder Germany GOEUROPE! bei der LKJ Sachsen- Anhalt e.V.

Juan Ratto-Nielsen Spain INTER-ACCION

Justina Stefanovic Lithuania NGO Social Action

Katarzyna Smuklerz Poland NGO "Pendolino"

Katrien Ponsaerts Belgium Jint, Flemish NA for Youth in Action

Kersti Kivirüüt Estonia Kuuste Q-Club

Ketevan Chqoidze Georgia NEO - New Educational Organization

Kristi Hints Estonia NGO Just See

Kristiina Pernits Germany SALTO Training and Cooperation Resource Centre,German NA

Lama Tabet Lebanon Chabibeh Sporting Club

Laura Bacinskiene Lithuania Department of Youth Affairs under the Ministry ofSocial Security and Labour

Laura Lopez-Bech Belgium European Youth Forum

Lavinia Ruscigni France Association Migration Solidarité et Echange pour leDeveloppement (AMSED)

Małgorzata Głuszyk Poland Youth Supporting Association - AkademiaPodmiotowego Wspierania Młodzieży

Manfred von Hebel Germany JUGEND für Europa, German NA for Youth in Action

Marco Heuer Germany Journalist, German NA for Youth in Action

Maria Chompitaki UnitedKingdom

Bryson Charitable Group

Marina Kornikhina RussianFederation

Russian Association of Girl-Scouts

Marina Storgaard Denmark Joy of Creation

Mark E. Taylor France Freelance Trainer and Writer

Marrie Kortenbosch Netherlands Dutch Youth Institute / Youth in Action

Marta Gutierrez Belgium DG Education and Culture, European Commission

Marti Taru Estonia Tallinn University

Matea Majdenić Croatia Croatian NA for Youth in Action

Matthijs Leendertse Netherlands Erasmus University

Mieke NevenMcMahon

Ireland Fishbowl Youth

Mohammed Alsaftawi Belgium Palestinian Organizations

Natalia Seriakova Germany JUBUK

Natasa Golosin Portugal AGORAVEIRO

Neslihan Çeçen Turkey Gaziosmanpaşa Youth Center

Olga Khabibulina Belarus Office for Initiatives Promotion

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Paola Maciariello Italy arci solidarietà

Paola Pizzo Italy Bond Of Union

Peter Amesz Netherlands Scouting Nederland

Petra Nakladalova CzechRepublic

Czech NA for Youth in Action

Petre Mrkev FormerYugoslavRepublic ofMacedonia

Council for Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency –SPPMD

Piret Talur Estonia NGO Persona

Raluca Diroescu Belgium SALTO Participation Resource Centre

Raquel Macedo Portugal ADOC - Associação Ocupação Constante

Rasa Janciauskaite Lithuania Lithuanian NA for Youth in Action (Agency ofInternational Cooperation)

Rita Bergstein Germany SALTO Training and Cooperation Resource Centre,German NA

Roberto Masullo Italy A.c. CallystoArts

Roosje Lowette Belgium Jint, Flemish NA for Youth in Action

Ryan Bugeja Malta European Union Programmes Agency

Sandra van de Kraak Netherlands Breakthrough Foundation

Sezin Yüksel Turkey Group kivilcim

Simona Molari Italy Freelance trainer

Steffi Koch Germany SCI Germany, green movements in Belgium (FYEG,YfoEE)

Tadej Pugelj Slovenia Scout Association of Slovenia

Teodora Hristoforova Bulgaria National Centre "European Youth Programmes andInitiatives"

Teresa Wald Germany JUGEND für Europa, German NA for Youth in Action

Tony Geudens Belgium SALTO Inclusion Resource Centre

Vanda Kovács Hungary Freelance trainer

Vojislava TomicRadivojsa

Serbia Freelance Trainer

Volodymyr Fedorenko Ukraine NGO Expert-Training

Yunus Alper Altay Turkey Turkish NA for Youth in Action

Zara Israelyan Armenia Armenian Center for Integrationand Democratization NGO

Zuhal Akdağ Turkey Turkish NA for Youth inAction