AVA

Description

Member states should have validation systems in place by 2018. The AVA consortium believes that MSs will have to face big challenges (and in some even resistance) while putting in place such systems and thus they should be supported more. A major role could be played by adult education providers and stakeholders, which are often the implementing bodies of the validation systems. By analysing tools and methodologies in different European countries and proposing solutions from the civil society perspective, this project will contribute to reducing the fragmentation on different levels, namely policy and practice.

Target group

The direct target groups are adult education providers as well as national and European policy-makers dealing with validation systems. The indirect target groups are people and learners with a disadvantaged background.

The AVA consortium decided to focus on disadvantaged groups because it believes that validation is one of the key tools and components for lifelong learning to enable people to move vertically and horizontally in their personal lives and careers. According to the AVA consortium, validation should be considered as a right. All citizens should be able to participate in validation arrangements, as it often works as a second chance opportunity; it increases motivation for lifelong learning and helps on bridging the gap between the job demand and supply, by recognizing competences acquired outside the formal system.

Outcomes

The network:

• • drafted and promoted a survey addressing adult education providers, validation arrangement providers and analyzed its results;
  • organised a jour fixe to present the initial survey results to a wider public (Vienna, Austria – 13 October 2015);
  • organised an expert seminar to debate the main themes and outcomes of the survey (Oslo, Norway – 1-2 February 2016);
  • developed an event methodology that allowed the expert seminar participants to exchange experiences, explore the main challenges and propose possible solutions;
  • drafted an Action Plan providing key messages and actions targeted at both policy makers and adult education organizations;
  • organised an Policy debate in Brussels to discuss the Action Plan with key validation stakeholders (Brussels, Belgium – 29 June 2016);
  • Produced five articles on relevant issues related to the project’s values and aims.
    • Adult Education providers can improve validation systems in Europe – Susana Oliveira, KERIGMA
    • Benefits of validation for the individual – The case of Romania – Mariana Matache, EUROED
    • Individual-centred approach to validation: the IWC example – Martin Swart, Learn For Life
    • Strong commitment for validation in Oslo, Report from the AVA expert seminar -Marja Beckman, Johanni Larjanko – NVL
    • Long-term effects of validation in non-formal adult education – Gerhard Bisovsky – VÖV

Meetings:

Kick off meeting- Utrecht, 24-25 November 2014

Second partner meeting – Vienna, 12-13 October 2015

Third partner meeting – Oslo, 1-2 February 2016

Final partner meeting – Brussels, 29-30 June 2016