10.6 Recognition and validation of skills acquired through youth work
On this page
On this page
Existing arrangements
An updated youth worker certification system is in place. In 2010-2015 the Department of Youth Affairs (now - Agency of Youth Affairs) under the implemented project no. VP1-4.1-VRM-07-V-01-002 ‘Development of an Integrated Youth Policy’ financed by the European Social Fund and the State Budget, activity no. 2.1.2. ‘Implementation of the Youth Worker Certification Scheme’.
Skills
In 2010, a certification methodology for youth workers was prepared. The youth work providers are identified and defined and principles of youth workers’ profession are described in the 2013 order No. A1-208 of Social Security Minister and Labor of the Republic of Lithuania on ‘The Approval of the Youth Workers' Job Description’ In Lithuania, the concept of youth workers’ profession has not yet been defined, however youth policy experts describe youth workers as those who work in the youth field having a relevant education in social work, general teachers’ or social education, psychology or other educational and/or social sciences related qualification. For example, youth workers who work in municipal educational, cultural, sport, social institutions and can be referred to as teachers (leading a school circle), social educators, cultural workers etc.
Certification and skills recognition. In 2010-2015 the Department of Youth Affairs (now - Agency of Youth Affairs) implemented project no. VP1-4.1-VRM-07-V-01-002 ‘Development of an Integrated Youth Policy’ financed by the European Social Fund and the State Budget, activity no. 2.1.2. ‘Implementation of the Youth Worker Certification Scheme’. As a result of the project, an updated certification system was established i.e. competences required by youth workers are assessed and recognized in accordance with the criteria and procedures established by the Agency of Youth Affairs and youth worker certificates can be awarded.
Lithuanian Non-formal Education Association develops and coordinates motivation and recognition systems for achievements and uses the global Digital Open Badges standards to capture, measure, and recognize achievements. It cooperates with the Agency of Youth Affairs in order to develop tailor-made systems for assessing and recognizing non-formal education achievements including youth work.
More information about the certification of youth workers in Lithuania is available here.