Report - Salto

Bridges for Recognition | Bridges for Recognition in a Nutshell - Executive Summary 3
Recognition
ion
Executive Summary
Bridges for Recognition was a milestone in the journey of the recognition of non-formal learning
and youth work in Europe. It brought together for the first time a wide range of practitioners,
policy makers and stakeholders from the fields of youth work, formal and non-formal education,
the labour market and National and European Authorities.
The conference provided a showcase for an impressive range of methods and instruments
for the recognition of non formal learning by young people. Different stakeholder groups
were invited to articulate their particular needs and to debate the “Hot Issues” in recognition.
Delegates were consulted on new initiatives at the European level and contributed to the
formulation of policy and action plans. The European Institutions supported the event with
key insights into the political dimension of recognition, ending with the challenge continue
develop and exchange ideas and the commitment to keep youth work and recognition on the
political agenda.
There were some recurring themes throughout the conference which point to challenges for
the future:
• First, there is much work already being done and we need to continue to share good practice.
This will not only enable improvements and further developments but it will also avoid
reinventing the wheel.
• A common language, or at least a growing ability to speak the different languages of
recognition, is crucial to communication across the various sectors and stakeholder groups.
We need to be sure that we mean the same things when we use the same words.