The Youth in Action Programme continues to build on the previous Programmes – ‘Youth for Europe’ (1989-1999), European Voluntary Service and the YOUTH Programme (2000-2006).
The Youth in Action Programme is a key source provider for informal and non-formal learning within a European dimension. It also gives youths the opportunity to acquire skills and competencies that might come in very useful both in their involvement in youth organisations but also in the labour market.
It is built and supports the recent developments in the youth field of the European Framework of European Cooperation. In fact this programme, as a general objective, seeks to:
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Promote young people’s active citizenship with an emphasis on European citizenship
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Develop solidarity and promote tolerance among young people in order to promote more social cohesion
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To foster mutual understanding between young people from different countries
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Contribute to the development of support systems for youth activities
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To promote European cooperation in the Youth field
The non-formal and informal learning takes place in a wide range and various ranges of settings. The fact that learning occurs in a youth field makes the process in itself attractive and helps to develop a sense of readiness for the participants. Such a setting helps the promotion of a greater social integration. These non-formal and informal learning activities should not be seen as a replacement to formal education but they are meant to be complementary to the education and training systems. Non-formal and informal activities are meant to be participative and centered on the learner’s needs.
Projects funded by the Youth in Action Programme should follow the non-formal learning principles. These are:
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Learning is intended to be in a non-formal manner and on a voluntary basis
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Education takes place in a diverse range of environments
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Activities should be staffed with professional learning facilitators or volunteers such as youth leaders or youth trainers
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Activities should be planned but not structured
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Activities should address specific groups and the ‘learning’ should be oriented according to the field discussed.
Youth in Action also puts an emphasis on the recognition of non-formal learning. In fact, youths participating in the Programme can make use of the Youthpass which is an instrument providing a validation and recognition, thus ensuring that the learning experiences would be officially recognised as an educational experience and a period of non-formal learning. For further information please visit the SALTO Training and Cooperation website – http://www.salto-youth.net/trainingandcooperation
What are the main priorities of the Youth in Action Programme?
Who implements the Youth in Action Programme?
The European Commission is ultimately responsible for the smooth running of the Programme. It manages the budget, sets priorities & targets, it monitors the general implementation and it does an evaluation of the Programme on a European level. Moreover, it supervises and coordinates the National Agencies. On the other hand, implementation is mainly done on a decentralised basis and this falls under the responsibilities of the National Agencies. Each participating country has appointed a National Agency and they act as the main link between the European Commission, project promoters and beneficiaries. The European Commission also has the Education, Audiovisual and Cultural Executive Agency that is responsible for the implementation of the centralised measures.
The contact details of the Maltese National Agency and the Executive Agency of the Commission are as follows:
Maltese National Agency:
Youth in Action Programme
European Union Programmes Agency (EUPU),
36, Old Mint Street,
Valletta VLT 1514
Tel: 21255663 / 25586140-2
E-mail: youth.eupu@gov.mt
Web: - www.youthmalta.org
The Executive Agency: http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/youth/index_en.htm
Further details: