As part of the PRODUALNOK project, implemented by the Office for Dual Education and the National Qualifications Framework with support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), representatives from the Office participated in the Biennale on Validation of Prior Learning.
This year, the event took place in May in Kilkenny, Ireland, co-organised by Canada and the USA. The fifth global conference focused on the theme "People, Validation and Power: Democracy in Action?" and brought together policy makers, researchers, and practitioners from over 30 countries to share experiences, information, ideas, and visions on the validation of prior learning.
One of the keynote speakers was Ted Fleming, Emeritus Professor at Maynooth University and Adjunct Professor at Teachers College, Columbia University, New York. On that occasion, he emphasized that "as a result of the evolutionary journey, human beings are genetically pre-programmed for recognition. Recognition is not just an important element of procedures, policies, and practices – it is a primary driver in evolution, a basic need, an ingredient of our very identities."
The conference featured panel discussions, parallel working sessions, and a series of short talks, presenting diverse perspectives on the significance of validation of prior learning. These discussions highlighted the importance of providing educational and employment opportunities for individuals and social groups, especially migrants and the long-term unemployed.
Validation of prior learning is a fundamental human right, and establishing flexible learning pathways is essential. Case studies presented at the conference demonstrated that the validation of prior learning enhances market competitiveness, promotes inclusion, and establishes new educational standards. The potential of validation of prior learning is great, but it is necessary to provide opportunities for the inclusion of a larger number of individuals through career guidance and counselling services, enabling the acquisition of transferable and partial qualifications, and recognizing and removing invisible barriers to inclusion in the process.
More information, including the conference program and presentations from the working sessions are available on the website of the biennial on validation of prior learning 5th Biennale presentations – VPL Biennale.