COMPONENT 2: Recognition of non-formal and informal learning (RNFIL) in BiH

Component 2 in brief:

This component focuses on creating a strong system for recognizing non-formal and informal learning in the vocational education and training (VET) sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), with the aim of developing and testing models for recognizing non-formal education and informal learning.

This will improve lifelong learning options in BiH, including non-formal and informal learning. It will also provide opportunity to earn partial or full qualifications.

The project will design mechanisms for verifying non-formal and informal learning (VNFIL) and recognizing prior learning (RPL) based on the BiH Qualification Framework (QF). It will also take into account the different development stages at the entity, Federation, cantonal, and district levels. The goal is to improve the efficiency and flexibility of BiH’s adult education and training systems to meet urgent labor market needs, with input from a wide range of stakeholders.

Since this is an innovative approach for BiH’s education and training system, the planned activities will be carried out step by step. They will focus on gradually developing and implementing VNFIL/RPL mechanisms, while relying on the latest policy developments and lessons from EU experiences.

Based on the previously developed methodological guide and VNFIL/RPL manual, training-of- trainers (ToT) programme for a group of 150 potential VNFIL/RPL practitioners will be implemented. In order to test the VNFIL/RPL model, three pilot projects on three sites in BiH will also be conducted.

WORKING GROUPS – as the primary mechanism to support the implementation of Component 2:

- Validation of Non-Formal and Informal Learning / Recognition of Prior Learning Working Group (VNFIL/RPL-WG), which consists of representatives of the following institutions: MoCA; VET Department of APOSO; Institute for Adult Education RS; Representatives of all Pedagogic Institutes; Representatives of all Ministries of Education and Sciences and Ministries of Labour; and Representatives of selected employers' organisations.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

In accordance with the Conclusion of the Government of the Republic of Srpska, number 04/1-103-2-880/25, adopted at the Government session on March 13, 2025, it was decided that the institutions of the Republic of Srpska will withdraw from the project "EU for Vocational Education and Skills Recognition in BiH." The decision was submitted to the project team for notice on March 26, 2025.

The project, in cooperation with other partners from the Federation of BiH and Brčko District, continues to implement the planned activities. Former partners from the Republic of Srpska are invited to rejoin the project activities should there be any changes to the aforementioned decision in the future.