"Bridges for Training"

Bridges for Training - report Linking Partners in Non-Formal Education in the Youth Field  (Brugge, 15-19 September 2001)

About the Training Event

"Bridges for Training" brought together different actors in the field of non-formal education on a European level in order to exchange and inspire.

The training event aimed to provide an update on different training initiatives going on in the European youth field. It provided a space for presenting and experimenting with different innovative training methods and discussing some key issues in European youth work and non-formal education. At the same time, it was an opportunity for partner-finding and establishing new co-operation initiatives. Last but not least the training event stressed the importance and benefits of non-formal education in today's society.

"Bridges for Training" was a cross-fertilisation between European trainers and Training Officers of the National Agencies of the YOUTH programme.

During the three-day programme, key figures in European non-formal education were presented various actions that are undertaken as part of a European Training Strategy. Plenary presentations as well as a training fair provided ample opportunity to learn about these initiatives. A lot of attention was also paid to concrete training initiatives, explaining the concepts and experimenting with innovative methods in different workshops. And last but not least there was a forum for reflection on the development of training strategies, the trainers' pool and other initiatives.

"Bridges for Training" was part of the European Training Strategy developed within the European Commission and is the fruit of a joint action of different partners.

The training event was co-organised by SALTO-YOUTH and the Partnership in Training & Youth between the Council of Europe and the European Commission. The general co-ordination was done by SALTO-YOUTH at Jint, the Flemish Belgian National Agency of the YOUTH programme. The training event took place with support of the Flemish Community within the frame of the Belgian presidency of the European Union. (SALTO-YOUTH is shorthand for the Support for Advanced Learning & Training Opportunities for the Youth Programme of the EC)

Co-organisers of the Training Event 

The Youth Unit of the Education and Culture Directorate-General within the European Commission

The Partnertship Agreement between the Council of Europe and the European Commission on Youth Training

Belgium Presidency of the EU (July - December 2001) www.eu2001.be

Belgian Youth Councils www.eu2001youth.be

International Youth Work Co-ordination Agency www.jint.be