OBSERVAL‐Net Validation Prize 2013. Second announcement.

Invitation to send Case Studies to all organisations and individuals in Europe working in Validation of Non‐formal and Informal Learning (VNIL). All received Case Studies will compete for the OBSERVAL‐Net Validation Prize 2013, which will be awarded in three categories: ‘Bottom Up Approach’, ‘New Profession’ and ‘Work‐based Competence Development and Recognition’.

The Validation Prize is an award given in three categories to the most innovative and promising initiatives in the area of the Validation of Non‐formal and Informal Learning (VNIL) across all sectors and levels of education in Europe. The prize will consist of an invitation to attend the Final Dissemination Event and Award Ceremony in Brussels, 15 October 2013 and a commemorative prize. All finalists will be invited to the event and their travel and accommodation will be covered on confirmation of attendance. The prizes will be awarded as part of the OBSERVAL‐Net project and will showcase best VNIL practices in order to highlight the excellence of existing projects and to spread the awareness about VNIL initiatives among professionals in this area, as well as among citizens eager to have their learning outcomes and skills recognised and validated.

The Validation Prize 2013 edition focuses on three distinct categories: 

• The Bottom Up Approach: The role of grassroots initiatives in supporting VNIL, and strategies towards their mainstreaming
• The New Profession: The competence profile required for VNIL professionals
• Work‐based Competence Development and Recognition: The implementation of VNIL in the work place

The deadline for submitting case studies is 26 April 2013. New or updated case studies written in English language can be sent to EUCEN by using the case study template available at http://www.observal‐net.eu/validation‐prize. For further information, please contact Sonja Lengauer at 3s (lengauer@3s.co.at) or the EUCEN office (observal-net@eucen.eu).