Innovation in formal education

In Portugal, awareness‑raising about non‑formal and informal learning forms part of a broader public policy approach aimed at promoting lifelong learning, youth participation and the recognition of diverse learning environments. The Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth (IPDJ) leads national efforts to increase the visibility of non‑formal learning opportunities, ensuring that young people have access to information on programmes, activities and resources that support personal, social and civic development. These initiatives are disseminated through institutional platforms, information campaigns, training events and local partnerships, reinforcing the role of non‑formal learning in complementing formal education pathways. 

Awareness‑raising is also reinforced by the implementation of European mobility and participation programmes. Through Erasmus+ Youth, young people gain access to youth exchanges, volunteering projects and training activities that foreground experiential learning and support the acquisition of transversal competences. The national agencies responsible for coordinating Erasmus+ implement communication strategies aimed at informing young people, educators and organisations about these opportunities, thereby strengthening public understanding of non‑formal learning.

At community level, youth associations, NGOs, cultural bodies and municipal youth services organise thematic events, local projects and educational campaigns designed to promote engagement in non‑formal learning. These activities frequently address issues such as human rights, environmental sustainability, digital skills, creativity and intercultural dialogue, helping young people recognise the value of learning experiences that occur outside formal school settings. Together, these initiatives contribute to a wider culture of visibility and acceptance of non‑formal and informal learning as integral components of youth development in Portugal.

Fostering innovation through non-formal and informal learning and youth work

Quality youth work is promoted through policies and mechanisms that reinforce professionalism, competence development and structured learning outcomes for those working with young people. Framework includes the professional profile of the Youth Worker (Técnico de Juventude), which is supported by recognition instruments within the National Qualifications System. This includes the possibility of competence recognition through RVCC (Recognition, Validation and Certification of Competences) processes administered by ANQEP and the national network of Qualifica Centres (Centros Qualifica), enabling youth workers to demonstrate formally the skills they acquire through practice and training.

Training and capacity‑building initiatives contribute to awareness of quality youth work across the sector. IPDJ, higher education institutions, municipal youth departments and civil society organisations regularly offer training in areas such as project management, youth participation methodologies, intercultural learning, digital youth work and non‑formal education approaches. These initiatives strengthen the professional environment of youth work and support continuous learning for practitioners.

Portugal also participates in European frameworks that promote quality standards in youth work, including guidelines and tools that help organisations and practitioners articulate and document learning outcomes derived from youth work activities. These frameworks reinforce the structured nature of youth work and increase public recognition of its contribution to personal development, social inclusion and active citizenship. By integrating national and European quality mechanisms, Portugal contributes to a comprehensive system that raises awareness of youth work as a professional, educational and socially relevant field.