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1. Information providers / counselling structures

2. Awareness raising initiatives

Information providers / counselling structures

INJUVE, under the Ministry of Youth (Ministerio de Juventud e infancia) continues to be the principal body promoting non-formal and informal education in Spain. Within the framework of the Youth Strategy 2030, INJUVE emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and the recognition of diverse educational pathways. The strategy outlines objectives to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education, promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all young people. 

To facilitate access to information, INJUVE coordinates the Network of Youth Information Centres (Red de Centros de Información Juvenil), setting common objectives and collaborating with regional and local centres. An online search engine has been developed to help young individuals locate their nearest information centre, enhancing accessibility to resources related to non-formal and informal learning.

In 2023, the First Youth Action Plan 2022-24 (Primer Plan de Acción de Juventud 2022–2024) was approved, encompassing 200 measures focused on youth issues such as 200 measures focusing on youth issues such as emancipation, housing, education and youth employment. Notably, the plan allocated significant investment towards education and training, including supporting non-formal education initiatives.

The Strategic Grant Plan 2024–2026 of the Ministry of Youth and Children (Plan Estratégico de Subvenciones del Ministerio de Juventud e Infancia 2024–2026) includes funding lines that support non-formal education, youth training, and awareness-raising initiatives. These grants, managed by INJUVE, aim to strengthen youth participation, promote inclusive learning pathways, and reinforce the recognition of non-formal and informal learning in line with the Youth Strategy 2030.

Awareness raising initiatives

INJUVE actively disseminates information and publications on youth work and non-formal learning to raise awareness and promote these educational forms.

A key initiative is the University of Youth and Development event, organised in collaboration with the Euro-Latin American Center for Youth (CEULAJ) and supported by national and international actors, including the European Youth Forum. This event provides participants with tools to become active citizens through informal and non-formal learning methods.

The role of youth workers in Spain is gaining recognition with efforts to formalize and professionalize their contributions to non-formal and informal education and youth development. Various initiatives at local and regional levels aim to highlight the importance of youth work and volunteering, fostering greater appreciation and support for these roles. For more information on Youth Work in Spain see Chapter 10.