Policy framework

There is no coordinated national initiative or framework for recognizing competences gained through volunteering. 

Existing arrangements  

Following their participation in exchanges and projects within the European Solidarity Corps (ESC), participants are entitled to Youthpass, a tool for the validation of non-formal learning. Hosting organizations are obligated to support this process, ensuring that every volunteer receives documented proof of their engagement and the personal development achieved throughout the program.

Regarding the recognition of young people skills gained by voluntary work, the Republika Srpska Law on Higher Education provides the possibility of obtaining of credits under the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) through volunteering in the community, if the respective activity is carried out according to the Law on Volunteering.

The volunteering laws in Republika Srpska and Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina also define the “Volunteer ID” – a document that keeps track of volunteer activities and skills gained. In both Republika Srpska and Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina there are established rules on issuing those voluntary IDs.

The Republika Srpska Ministry for Family, Youth and Sport delivers the annual awards for an outstanding volunteer and one volunteering organizer on 5 December, the International Volunteer Day. The same Ministry provides annual financial support in the form of small grants for voluntary activities planned and implemented by secondary school students’ councils.