Unlocking Doors to Recognition: Seminar on recognition of youth work and non-formal learning

Context

In recent years, developments towards greater recognition of youth work and non-formal learning have taken place across Europe. Nevertheless, the recognition of youth work still needs to be increased at different levels. While some developments have been initiated, especially at the European policy level, their implementation is often limited, especially in more remote or rural areas. Initiatives of organisations and youth workers working at the grass-roots level are essential to contribute to strengthening the recognition of youth work, in terms of self-awareness, in their communities, at the level of existing structures, strategies or policies.

Objectives

This seminar aims to support participants in deepening their understanding of the recognition of non-formal and informal learning (NFIL) and youth work, and in developing strategies and actionable steps to enhance the recognition of youth work in their environments.

In particular, it will:

• Deepen the participants’ understanding of key recognition concepts, and policies and inspiring practices at European and national levels,
• Support the development of recognition strategies for youth work and non-formal learning in the participants’ contexts,
• Support peer learning and networking among the participating organisations.

Programme details

Participants should arrive on 8th June and depart on 12th June 2026.

The programme will be shaped over three full days and will include:

• Understanding the key concepts, terminology and European developments related to the recognition of NFIL and youth work
• Peer-learning about the state of recognition in the participants’ countries and environments, supported by inspiring examples of recognition practices/actions/developments (from the WB region and other parts of Europe)
• Identifying challenges and possible solutions, and ways forward
• Developing individual plans/strategies to enhance the recognition of youth work in the participants’ environments in small peer-support teams of participants (“recognition teams”), based on the participants’ interests.

To support participants in implementing the action ideas developed during the seminar, online support will be offered to the “recognition teams” after the seminar.

A follow-up online meeting for all participants will take place on 18 September from 10:00 – 12:00 CEST.

The context of this seminar is supported by the Youthpass Strategy and the revised edition of the handbook “Unlocking Doors to Recognition” (soon to be published by SALTO Training and Cooperation).

Profile of participants

This seminar is open to 25 participants from Erasmus+ programme countries and the Western Balkan partner countries.

Participants should:

• Have experience in youth work and represent an organisation that runs grassroot youth work activities.
• Have a strong interest in recognition-related topics and be keen to take recognition forward in their context. Prior experience in promoting recognition in youth work and non-formal learning is welcome but not a must.
• Have a role in their organisation that enables them to take the ideas developed at the seminar forward, with the support of their organisation.
• Commit to follow up on the plans developed during the seminar.
• Be able to work in English

Organisers

This seminar is organised by SALTO SEE and SALTO Training & Cooperation Resource Centres.

Composition of the team

The programme will be led by experienced trainers:

Darko Marković (Serbia)

Branima Penić (Croatia)

Marcus Vrecer (Austria)

Additional support will be provided by SALTO representatives:

Kristiina Pernits and Eda Bakir (SALTO Training and Cooperation)

Sonja Mitter Škulj (SALTO South East Europe)