On this page

1. Policy Framework

2. Formal learning

3. Non-formal and informal learning

4. Quality assurance/quality guidelines for non-formal learning

5. Educators' support

Policy Framework

In Spain there is no national strategy that has as its sole objective the development of the social and civic competences of Spanish youth, but rather in the Youth Strategy 2030 (Estrategia Juventud 2030). Also, in the Organic Law 3/2020, of 29 December, which amends Organic Law 2/2006, of 3 May, on Education (Ley Orgánica 3/2020, de 29 de diciembre, por la que se modifica la Ley Orgánica 2/2006, de 3 de mayo, de Educación (LOMLOE)), measures are included aimed at the development of these competences in young people in a transversal way.

Formal learning

In accordance with the Education Law Ley Orgánica 2/2006 the first pedagogical principle of primary education speaks of:

“At this stage, special emphasis will be placed on ensuring educational inclusion; in the personalised attention to students and their learning, participation and coexistence needs; in the prevention of learning difficulties and in the implementation of mechanisms for reinforcement and flexibilization, methodological alternatives or other appropriate as soon as any of these situations are detected.

One of the objectives of Compulsory Secondary Education is to Developing entrepreneurship and self-confidence, participation, critical sense, personal initiative and the ability to learn how to learn, plan, make decisions and take responsibility.

The first general principle of Professional Training comprises the set of training actions that provide the necessary skills for the qualified performance of different professions, access to employment and active participation in social, cultural and economic life.

Non-formal and informal learning

The structures for non-regulated learning aimed at youth are very underdeveloped in Spain. They focus on activities related to sports and the arts or religion. The Spanish Youth Council acts as a collector of information related to all these activities.

Despite the lack of a specific policy dedicated to this issue at national level that encourages youth participation, there are formal and informal relationships between the various agencies that act in the youth field, both at state and local levels, to promote this participation whose ultimate objective is the creation of a participatory youth culture in the heart of Spanish society.

The Spanish Youth Council itself offers training courses related to youth policies and participation. As part of their annual training plan, they offer three courses on this theme. In total they offer a 12-hour course on "Participation Management", a 12-hour course on "Youth Information" and a 12-hour course on "Local Youth Policies".

The Ministry of Social Rights and Agenda 2030 itself offers both face-to-face and online training. In September 2023, the course "Participation of Children and Adolescents" was offered with a duration of 30 hours.

Quality assurance/quality guidelines for non-formal learning

There are no measures in this regard in the absence of a reference programme or strategy.  

Educators' support

Currently there are no official initiatives in this regard, only some university manuals on the subject and some private blogs led by teachers to teachers with advice on education and plans proposals.