10.6 Recognition and validation of skills acquired through youth work
Address:
Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Department of Education, Mobility and Youth Unit
Trg BiH 3, 71 000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Tel: +387 33 492 623, +387 33 492 606, +387 33 492 519
E-mail: kemal.salic@mcp.gov.ba
Website: www.mcp.gov.ba
The definition of a youth worker is given only in the Law on Youth in Brcko District Bosnia and Herzegovina. This still means that the other two entities nor the state level have the definition of youth worker.
There is no occupational standard for youth work in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as it is not recognized in the Bosnia and Herzegovina Qualifications Framework. The definition of a youth worker exists only in the Law on Youth of Brčko District. The "Recognition of Prior Learning" project (EU, 2024) develops validation of non-formal skills, including youth work, with pilot schemes. According to "Policy Dimensions of Youth Work Recognition in the Western Balkans" (2024), fragmentation hinders mutual recognition of skills across entities.
However, some progress has been made towards the recognition and validation of skills acquired through youth work
A Manual for the Validation of Non-Formal Education and Informal Learning (VNFIL) is being developed as part of the EU-supported “Recognition of Prior Learning” project. This includes building institutional structures, methodology, and potential accreditation systems, with pilot schemes planned. The fragmented political and administrative structure further complicates mutual recognition of credentials across entities, underscoring the need for harmonized frameworks.
The PRONI Center for Youth Development have signed agreements with ten municipalities and cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina where those local communities (Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Mostar, Bihać, Cazin, Prijedor, Bosanski Petrovac, Bijeljina, Trebinje and Brčko District Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnia and Herzegovina) accept PRONI Center quality assurance mechanisms in youth work as their quality assurance standards.
Skills acquired through youth work include facilitation, conflict resolution, leadership, and communication. The PRONI Youth Work Academy develops these skills through modules such as "Basics of Youth Work" and "Training for Trainers". The Institute for Youth Development KULT, through "Learn, Think and Act!", empowers skills for local initiatives.
According to "Educational and Career Pathways of Youth Workers" (2019, updated 2024), skills are validated through non-formal certificates, but the lack of formal recognition limits career opportunities.