Study Visit to Serbia

In the past decade, the youth field in Serbia has seen dynamic progress. Due to growing international mobility and cooperation, the developments within the European youth policy have had increasing influence in the local practises. Particular emphasis has been put on understanding and recognising youth work in the context of life-long learning. Moreover, strengthening of the independent civil sector has resulted further development of youth work in general, and particularly quality assurance, professionalization and recognition of learning have now become priorities for the relevant state institutions as well as non-governmental youth organisations in the country. The aim of the activity: The aim of the study visit is to explore innovative practises of youth work and non-formal education in Serbia in the context of the European paradigm of life-long learning. Additionally, the activity provides the participants a space to establish partnerships for future cooperation. The specific objectives are: -To showcase a selection of innovative practises in the field of youth in Serbia, with the focus on strategies and methods of facilitating young people’s learning -To explore the current policies and initiatives for better recognition of youth work and non-formal learning at national level -To discuss about the about the challenges and possibilities of non-formal education as a tool to promote young people’s personal development and diverse pathways of learning in a contemporary European society -To learn about the possibilities in the context of youth within the Erasmus + Programme -To establish contacts and partnerships for further cooperation Target group for the activity: persons / organisations who / which are: -Active in the fields of youth and non-formal education -Having prior experience in developing, implementing and evaluating non-formal educational activities with / for young people -Interested in raising their awareness and understanding on youth work as a pedagogical approach for promoting young people’s non-formal learning in different contexts -Interested in the political processes for better recognition of youth work and non-formal learning in Serbia -Interested in cooperation with South East Europe, possibly within the Erasmus + Programme -Able to communicate in English -Above 18 years old More information about the activity is available in the document enclosed.