Report - Salto

Bridges for Recognition | Hot Issues discussion groups
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• There was an interesting debate about the differences between recognition for achievement
or set standards and recognition through simply describing processes and experiences and
allowing the reader to place value on this. This links to the view expressed that the process of
recognition or validation is as important as the outcome.
• It was recognised that there are many stakeholders in non-formal learning and many
complex relationships between them. Stakeholders were at different stages in understanding
and development and were operating in very different environments.
• The role and value of intermediaries was discussed in a few places. National Agencies were
seen as natural and useful intermediary bodies.
• It was recognised by several groups that currently there is strong political will to support
non-formal learning in Europe and that actors need to engage more at the political level.
• As well as receiving support from the political sector, at least one group called for support
from the labour market and employers.
• One group talked about the need for great PR and promotion of non-formal learning and its
benefits.
• And finally it was recognised that many bridges already exist and that the actors should use
these to build for the future.
The group that met to discuss the recognition and responsibilities of Non-formal youth trainers
carried on the debate which had started in the different needs sessions. This resulted in a formal
proposal for a project which would create an occupational profile of non-formal youth
trainers. The proposal – which included a description of the envisaged process; including the
creation of a steering group, the writing of an historical overview, needs and functional analyses
and the creation of the profile.