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OBSERVAL - establishing a observatory on validation of learning

The aim of this project is to establish a permanent European Observatory on validation of non formal and informal learning based on a network of national experts (including actors from learning and training organisations in all sectors, from NGOs) having a leading role in their countries and a global vision of existing practices. navreme in Vienna will undertake measures for validation and monitoring, and a short feasibility study on the idea of European Observatory. The proposal is coordinated by the Brussels-based representation of the European University Continuing Education Network (EUCEN), and will be realised with 30 partners across Europe, including navreme boheme in Prague.

Why?
Identifying and recognising non-formal and informal learning is a necessary condition for the development of coherent and comprehensive Lifelong Learning (LLL) strategies in European Union. Including flexible learning pathways within National Qualification Frameworks linked through EQF, will enable the validation the validation of this learning by "social marks"; will provide progressive routes without dead ends, whatever the level of their formal qualifications, even they are low qualified or considered as non qualified. Validation offering transition points between all systems and levels of education and training and all ways of learning. This enables Member States to provide organisations, regulations, and support programmes of learning and competent professionals having key roles and responsibilities in this process (especially assessors, verifiers, advisors and counsellors). Until now, few countries have developed comprehensive and effective validation policies embedded in their LLL strategies. However many interesting initiatives, experiments have been developed these last years at institutional or local or sectoral level. Conferences, cooperation on these themes, encouraged by the European Commission programmes, have given more opportunities for mutual and peer learning in the European Union, and begin to appreciate the value of practices in other countries, to exchange information, to work together on methodologies, to train staff, to develop trans-sectoral activities. In order to raise this process of mutual learning to a higher level, to pass an important milestone, the Project will create a European Observatory that will present:

· Practices, experiments, initiatives, regulations, arrangements,…;
· Debates, emerging questions and indications of likely improvements;
· Researches, surveys, reports, analysis likely to help policy makers and stakeholders.

A permanently updated common analysed grid will be developed in order to progress beyond simple description and to make possible comparison that will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the system of education and training.

OBSERVAL partners are:
TBA

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