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Generations in Action: Dutch Formats for Lifelong Learning
onsdag, 29 oktober 2025, 14:45 - 15:30
Generations in Action: Dutch Formats for Lifelong Learning
onsdag, 29 oktober 2025, 14:45 - 15:30
Innhold
This content explores 4 successful strategies used across the Netherlands to engage adults and seniors in Non-Formal Education (NFE), focusing on how recognition systems (like Open Badges) turn non-formal experience into valued assets.
The Context: Vilnius - a city for a growing person
This presentation material was first shared at the "Vilnius – A City for a Growing Person" conference in October 2025. The core theme is important for any growing city: How do we effectively validate the diverse learning that happens outside of schools, especially for the older generation?
The Dutch Cities of Learning approach
In the Netherlands, the Cities of Learning movement is dedicated to ensuring that all citizens—regardless of age or background—receive recognition for their competences and experiences. We believe NFE is not just about participation; it’s about empowerment through recognition. This presentation showcases how organisations are successfully driving social impact, economic inclusion, and community resilience by focusing on practical, low-threshold learning.
Why access this material?
You will gain concrete insights into 4 Dutch models:
- ExpeditieRED: Intergenerational mentorship for water safety and integration among migrant families.
- Bibliotheek Rotterdam: The library as a trusted, accessible hub for digital literacy among seniors.
- Praktijkleren Loont: A system for turning years of work experience into formal vocational recognition (Praktijkverklaring).
- Community Co-Creation: How citizens (like the Heerlen-Noord music school initiative) drive investment in local cultural and educational infrastructure.
Who should engage?
This material is essential for Policymakers, Non-Formal Education Providers, Community Leaders, Librarians, and Researchers interested in:
- Designing intergenerational learning programmes.
- Implementing robust recognition systems (Open Badges).
- Bridging the digital and integration gap for older adults.
Last ned aktivitetsmerke
Open Badge: NL NFE Format Explorer Få dette merket
This badge is awarded for demonstrating comprehension and reflective analysis of key Dutch models for non-formal learning participation and skills recognition among adults and seniors.
This badge validates the earner’s ability to deconstruct, evaluate, and adapt successful non-formal education (NFE) strategies from a European context, specifically focusing on lifelong learning, civic participation, and skills recognition for adults and seniors.
What the earner has done
The earner has reviewed and analysed the successful application of 4 Dutch NFE models, including the accompanying policy context and the use of digital recognition systems (Open Badges).
What the earner has learned
By earning this badge, the individual has demonstrated competence in the following key areas:
- Model Analysis: The ability to deconstruct complex NFE formats (e.g., social integration via water safety, digital skills provision, work-based learning) and identify their core purpose, target audience, and operating mechanism.
- Recognition Strategy: A clear understanding of the difference between formal vocational recognition (e.g., Praktijkverklaring) and the use of flexible digital credentials (Open Badges) for validating soft and civic skills.
- Intergenerational Design: Recognition of the strategic value in intergenerational formats (like ExpeditieRED and Stadouders) where youth and seniors mentor and learn from one another.
- Contextualisation: The skill to critically assess the scalability and political hurdles of applying successful European NFE models in a new or different local context.
Criteria
To earn the NL NFE Format Explorer badge, you must successfully complete the three reflection tasks below, demonstrating your ability to analyze the models and apply their principles to your own context.
Du må fullføre 1 oppgaven for å få dette merket
Oppgaver
Oppgavenr.1
Bevis bekreftet av: selvgodkjenning
Deconstruct and Contrast NFE Motivations (Analysis & description)
Select two of the four Dutch case studies (ExpeditieRED, Rotterdam Library, Praktijkleren Loont, or Community Initiatives) that had fundamentally different primary motivations for adult/senior participation. Briefly describe the core function of each and articulate how the incentive for learning differed between the two.
Oppgavenr.2
Bevis bekreftet av: selvgodkjenning
Evaluate the recognition strategy (Critical evaluation)
- Focus on either the Praktijkleren Loont model (formal recognition) or the ExpeditieRED model (digital badge recognition). Evaluate the choice of recognition mechanism. Explain the economic or social justification for this specific form of validation and how it directly benefits the learner's life or career.
- Focus: What specific problem did the badge/certificate solve for this learner group?
Oppgavenr.3
Bevis bekreftet av: en aktivitetsarrangør
Contextualise and overcome barriers (Synthesis & application)
- Prompt: Choose the NFE model you believe holds the most potential for a city like Vilnius (or your own city). Detail one significant local policy or logistical adaptation that would be necessary to ensure its success. Identify the single biggest barrier to launch and propose a brief, actionable solution.
Arrangører
Dutch Cities of Learning
Badge issuer recognized with
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