More about non-formal learning

Labour shortages, changing needs in the labour market and changing demands in terms of learning mean that non-formal learning is receiving renewed attention, both at the national and European levels. In the Netherlands, you can also see this re-evaluation cautiously reflected in discussions at the national, regional and local levels. If you would like to read more on this, please see below a selection of current issues and ideas that can be found through EPALE.

Learning Hub

The Unesco Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) provides lifelong development opportunities through its UIL Learning Hub. The online portal provides support for policy development, shares knowledge on lifelong development and capacity building/strengthening your competencies. The Learning Hub gives access to online courses, workshops, e-conferences and shares tools and guidelines. 

European inventory of validation of informal and non-formal learning

Skills are high on the European political agenda and validation and accreditation play a key role in this. What are the developments in Europe?

The power and joy of learning and development - EAEA Manifesto

Non-formal adult learning is seen by the European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA) as a way of responding to challenges that are relevant across Europe. This includes citizenship, protection of democracy, well-being, inclusion, policy, resilience and climate. In its revised Manifesto for Adult Learning in the 21st Century: The Power and Joy of Learning, the EAEA describes how lifelong development can respond to these challenges.

Conditions for successful adult learning systems at local level

This article explains the conditions that must be met to develop good adult learning infrastructure and effective policies. It begins with a discussion of the crucial role of community learning centres in reaching adult learners. For these to be successful, it is important to offer a broad range of education programmes, to establish strategic partnerships and to improve access, but also to reduce costs.

Professor Alexis Kokkos - Transformative Learning through Art

In this interview, Professor Alexis Kokkos talks about transformative learning through art and how our culture can benefit from it.

Accreditation of soft skills

In the NS4-SFC Erasmus+ project, soft skills were the topic of discussion and how open badges can be linked to them. Open Badges for the recognition of soft skills | EPALE (europa.eu)

The TRANSVAL-EU Erasmus+ project investigated what the opportunities and conditions are for the accreditation of soft skills. Making all Skills Visible: Tools and Methods for Assessing Transversal Skills | EPALE (europa.eu)

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