An introduction to the Danish formal and non-formal educational system

The municipalities are key actors in implementing and coordinating this work, and they are also responsible for implementing efforts targeted at helping young people into employment or education. At the same time, the municipalities – through the Youth Guidance system – are required to perform systematic outreach and follow-up activities towards young people, who have not started or have stopped a secondary education. Key themes • Decentralising youth policy – looking at municipal youth work • Bridging youth work and the educational system • The youth guidance system – helping young people to find their way to employment and education • Social and personal development • Inclusion and reaching out to youth at risk • Civic education, democracy, and active citizenship • Combining formal and non-formal learning methods • Employability The participants will visit the following institutions: • Public schools • Vocational schools • Youth schools, youth clubs, and other after school activities • Second chance possibilities • Production schools (Production schools are open to youth under the age of 25, who have not yet fullfilled a youth education or find it difficult to see a way forward in further education or job) Civic education and active participation in democratic processes play an important role at all stages of the educational system. The study visit will focus on how the Danish educational system works with civic education at different levels. At the school level this will be illustrated by showcasing the methods used by the Danish youth schools when bridging formal education, civic education and personal development of young people. Danish youth schools have existed in Denmark since the 1940’s. Every Danish municipality has at least one youth school. They are publicly funded and all activities are free of charge for young people. The youth schools combine formal and non-formal leaning methods and play a key role in the civic education of young people in after school activities. The youth schools are very different in their design but offer several similar activities: • After school activities providing an informal space where young people can meet • Creative, or practical voluntary classes in the afternoon, evening, and weekend • Outreach work targeted at youth at risk • Activities aimed at increasing awareness on youth democracy and active participation • Formal education on different subjects • Special needs education The main target group is 13-18 years old but can include young people outside the target group when needed. Due to the vast selection of activities, classes, and a flexible approach to youth work and education, the Youth Schools have developed a range of methods to link youth work and the educational system successfully. The study visit will be a combination of field visits to the above mentioned institutions as well as presentations from stakeholders and practitioners working in the field. Furthermore, the study visit will include partner building elements, an introduction to the Erasmus+ programme as well as some sightseeing and more informal time.