This project aimed to enhance the recognition and validation of non-formal learning experiences for young people within the youth work sector. Recognising the significant role non-formal learning plays in personal and professional development, we sought to address the gap between valuable skills and competencies acquired through youth work activities and their formal recognition. This project aligns with the EU Youth Strategy (2019-2027), which emphasises the importance of quality recognition of youth work, and the European Year of Skills (2023-2024), which promotes skills development and recognition across all sectors. Driven by the expressed needs of young people, youth workers, and youth organisations, the project focused on three key objectives: - Objective 1: Raise awareness about the significance of recognising non-formal learning and promote the use of micro-credentialing systems, particularly Open Badges, for validation. - Objective 2: Celebrate achievements in non-formal learning and facilitate the exchange of good practices and strategies among youth workers and youth leaders regarding recognition and validation methods. - Objective 3: Foster collaboration and networking opportunities among seminar participants to strengthen partnerships and support the implementation of effective recognition strategies. To achieve these objectives, the project organised a 2-day international seminar in the Netherlands. This seminar brought together youth workers from various European countries who were already engaged in the professional debate on recognition through Open Badges. The seminar provided a platform for: - Cross-border exchange: Sharing experiences, challenges, and best practice in recognising non-formal learning. - Inspiration and resource gathering: Accessing new ideas, tools, and resources related to Open Badges and other recognition methods. - Strategic alliance building: Fostering collaborations and partnerships to support the implementation of recognition strategies within and beyond their local contexts. Key Partner Needs: - Breakthrough (NL): To bridge existing gaps and develop innovative solutions for recognising non-formal learning. - Tipovej (SL): To strengthen its role in local and national discussions on non-formal learning recognition and promote the use of digital Open Badges. - CITI (CW): To expand its reach to local youth workers and offer online learning opportunities to address youth unemployment. - Madiba (IT): To contribute to policy development and enhance its youth work initiatives through collaborative solutions. - Kids in Action (GR): To increase awareness of the value of non-formal learning and promote the validation of these experiences. - CODEC (BE): To further explore the potential of digital Open Badges for effective recognition and validation. - Cazalla (ES): To improve access to online platforms and digital learning opportunities in rural areas. - Babilon travel (RO): To promote inclusion and empower young people, especially those with disabilities, through digital tools and recognition of non-formal learning. - EJBM (DE): To increase awareness and understanding of digital Open Badges among employers and policymakers. - BINS (SRB): To standardise non-formal education at the national level and gain recognition for youth work within formal education systems. - NECTARUS (LT): To deepen its expertise in recognition through Open Badges and expand its network of partners. - ÉKE (HU): To create training programmes for youth workers to effectively utilise recognition methods and improve their digital skills. - JumpIN Hub - Associação para a Inovação e Empreendedorismo (PT), was added as partner in the beginning of the project with the wish to grow their recognition and validation of non-formal learning experiences - PLANBE PLAN IT BE IT (CY) was added as a partner in the beginning of the project with the need to connect with other organisations also working on recognition and to get new ideas, tools, and resources related to Open Badges and other recognition methods. This project built upon the valuable experiences and lessons learned from previous pilot projects undertaken by the partner organisations. By sharing these insights and collaboratively exploring innovative approaches, the project aimed to significantly enhance the recognition and validation of non-formal learning within the youth work sector.