Activity objectives

Aim and objectives of the event:
The aim of the Symposium is to identify promising pathways to strengthen recognition,
improve validation practices, and ensure that every young person’s contribution and
learning experience is valued.

Objectives
• Build a shared understanding of recognition and validation
• Identify gaps, barriers, and enablers
• Develop actionable recommendations

Additional objectives
• Strengthen inclusivity and quality of volunteering
• Discuss recognition and validation in the light of societal challenges

Description

The symposium will bring together practitioners, policy actors, and experts to explore how youth volunteering in Europe can be better recognised and how learning gained through volunteering can be validated.

During the conference two thematic strands will be tackled:

The first focuses on recognition of youth volunteering: what recognition looks like across countries, what enables or limits it, how stronger recognition can increase inclusivity, visibility, and the contribution of volunteering to young people’s development, community wellbeing, and social cohesion.
The second strand addresses validation of learning outcomes: how competencies gained through volunteering can be documented, assessed, and recognised, and how this strengthens quality, impact, and employability. Discussions will examine tools and systems such as Youthpass, micro-credentials, digital wallets, and links to the European Qualifications Framework.

Format of the symposium:
• 3rd of Nov: arrival | start of event with common dinner
• 4th of Nov: full day setting the scene in the morning + recognition | afternoon:
recognition / late afternoon/evening: make the connection between recognition
and validation
• 5th of Nov: 9 - 13.00: validation of learning | departure