youthpass, which they will later attach to their cv. Other participants see
in training courses only a perspective for a future professional career in
the field, ignoring that a big and essential part of youthwork is and should
be based on voluntary activity.
This also opens the discussion for the recognition on non-formal education.
The idea sounds definitely appealing in theory, however, I can’t help
tracing a paradox: The recognition of non-formal education would only be
made possible by means of formal procedures and by introducing formal
methods and criteria. This would take away the whole essence and spirit
of non-formal learning.
In my mind, we need to invest more on all the aspects of training and
youth work that can turn us into better and –if possible- happier people.
Especially in these times of crisis and rebellion, we need to rediscover the
notions of education and active citizenship in our lives, not as a means to
professional success exclusively, but also as a path to personal fulfillment
and social harmony.
Mary Drosopulos,
Trainer-Researcher
Euromed Youth Centre, Adrasan, Turkey